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ABS awarded US project on nuclear power for commercial shippingABS awarded US project on nuclear power for commercial shipping

With growing interest around nuclear power as propulsion for commercial shipping classification society ABS has been awarded a contract by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to research barriers into its adoption.

Marcus Hand, Editor

August 18, 2022

1 Min Read
patrick ryan ABS
Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and TechnologyPhoto: ABS

The $800,000 research project will see ABS develop models of different advanced reactor technologies for maritime applications and develop an industry advisory on the commercial use of modern nuclear power. 

“Modern nuclear technologies are increasingly suggested as a potential solution to shipping’s decarbonization challenge. The technology certainly has potential both in terms of its contribution to emissions reduction and for US shipyards and their supply chains to leverage national investment in terrestrial nuclear energy development,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology.

However, many questions need to be answered with a key focus on safety.

Support for the project provided by the Department of Energy’s National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC), based at Idaho National Laboratory including helping to propose how a maritime nuclear demonstration could take place.

NRIC director Ashley Finan, “There’s a tremendous opportunity to reduce emissions in shipping, as well as growing interest from both the maritime and advanced nuclear sectors, and we’re pleased to be a part of this important work.”

In addition ABS has been contracted by the DOE to support research into molten salt reactors (MSR) being carried out by the University of Texas.

Related:Norway commits to nuclear research on 'limitless' Ulstein Thor interest

 

 

 

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About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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