Maersk to study nuclear option for European container feedership

Classification society LR and floating nuclear energy solutions provider Core Power are undertaking a joint regulatory assessment and have been joined by Maersk after the initial planning stage. The three parties have formalised the collaboration through the signing of a joint development project agreement to undertake the study.

The study will look into the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear powered feedership using a fourth-generation reactor to operate in ports within Europe.

The study brings together LR, which recently released a report on the potential for nuclear power to transform the maritime industries, Core Power’s knowledge in developing nuclear technology for maritime, and Maersk’s experience in shipping and logistics.

Maersk has been a pioneer in developing and operating methanol dual fuel container ship tonnage, starting with a feedership in the Baltic region. Studying the nuclear option sees the company further expanding its horizons in terms of possible zero carbon shipping solutions.

“Since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, we have continuously explored diverse low emission energy options for our assets. Nuclear power holds a number of challenges related to for example safety, waste management, and regulatory acceptance across regions, and so far, the downsides have clearly outweighed the benefits of the technology,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, AP Moller – Maersk.

Related:LR report predicts new era of zero-emission nuclear-powered ships

“If these challenges can be addressed by development of the new so-called fourth-generation reactor designs, nuclear power could potentially mature into another possible decarbonisation pathway for the logistics industry 10 to 15 years in the future. Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low emission solutions.”

On the regulatory front Maersk is headquartered in Denmark a country that bans nuclear power production and in 1985 its parliament passed a law that no nuclear power stations could be established on its soil.

The joint study will investigate the requirements for updated safety rules and from and operational and regulatory standpoint in terms what would be needed for the use of nuclear power in container shipping.

LR stressed the potential of nuclear power as part of a multi-fuel pathway for shipping and maritime. “The initiation of this joint study marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards unlocking the potential of nuclear power in the maritime industry, paving the way for emissions-free operations, more agile service networks and greater efficiency through the supply chain,” said Nick Brown CEO of LR.

Related:Shipping needs nuclear says Core Power

“A multi-fuel pathway to decarbonising the maritime industry is crucial to ensuring we as an industry meet the IMO’s emission reduction targets and nuclear propulsion shows signs of playing a key role in this energy transition.”

Core Power, which is developing and promoting Molten Salt Reactors (MSR) for use in maritime and floating power solutions, not surprisingly believes that nuclear will be key to zero carbon future for shipping.

Mikal Bøe, CEO Core Power said: “There’s no net-zero without nuclear. A critical key to unlocking the vast potential for nuclear energy to transform how the maritime sector is powered, is the standards framework for commercial insurability of floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered ships that would operate in nearshore environments, ports, and waterways.”

The joint study will last for a period of 12 months starting in September this year.