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

Nuclear power could transform commercial shipping by preventing emissions, extending ships’ operating lives, removing the uncertainties surrounding future fuels, and saving the vast costs of bunkering infrastructure development for new fuels.

Paul Bartlett, Correspondent

July 4, 2024

2 Min Read
LR FFT Nuclear
Image: Lloyd's Register

Those were the conclusions of Fuel for thought: Nuclear, a new a report published by Lloyd’s Register (LR) which identifies small modular reactors (SMR) including water reactors, micro reactors, and molten salt reactors, as some of the most promising technologies for maritime applications. However, progress is being held up by the public’s perception of nuclear power. Both community readiness levels and investment readiness levels remain low, LR concedes.

Negative perceptions could be misplaced, however, and significantly outweighed by the benefits of nuclear fuel, the classification society claims. These include no direct greenhouse gas or other emissions, refuelling periods measured in years or decades, high reliability, and limited maintenance during operations.

Nuclear energy sources are radioactive heavy materials with energy densities tens of thousands of times higher than traditional fuels for shipping and are tightly regulated across production, distribution, handling, and use. The long-lived nature and high upfront cost of the fuel means that it can be capitalised rather than treated as an operating expense.

LR, which probably has more nuclear experience than any other classification society, identifies the proven track record of nuclear power in naval applications. SMRs, it said, could provide a low maintenance option for commercial ships. Experts have previously highlighted a range of benefits including the potential for higher ship speeds and time saved on bunkering.

Related:Shipping needs nuclear says Core Power

The report suggests that the commercial relationships between shipowners and energy producers could well change, with shipboard power leased from a new generation of reactor owners. This would separate the shipowners from the complexities of licensing and operating nuclear technology.

SMRs represent a leap forward in reactor design, LR claims, with a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, and modularity for streamlined production. As the technology matures and regulatory clarity increases, new ship designs optimised for nuclear propulsion will emerge, ushering in a new era of efficient and environmentally friendly vessels.

The classification society’s Mark Tipping, Power to X director, commented: “Fuel for Thought: Nuclear represents one of the first easily accessible overviews on the use of nuclear power in shipping, combining information from a wide range of sources into one report tailored for commercial shipping and the wider maritime value chain. 

“Whilst its use in commercial shipping has been limited, by overcoming negative perceptions and a lack of investment levels, nuclear propulsion could provide immense value for the maritime sector in its decarbonisation journey, allowing for emissions-free vessels with longer life cycles which require minimal refuelling infrastructure, or in best case scenarios limit the need entirely,” he added. 

Related:Global names back association to promote nuclear power in shipping

Fuel for thought: Nuclear is available to download from Lloyd's Register.

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About the Author

Paul Bartlett

Correspondent

UK-based Paul Bartlett is a maritime journalist and consultant with over four decades of experience in international shipping, including ship leasing, project finance and financial due diligence procedures.

Paul is a former Editor of Seatrade magazine, which later became Seatrade Maritime Review, and has contributed to a range of Seatrade publications over the years including Seatrade’s Green Guide, a publication investigating early developments in maritime sustainability initiatives, and Middle East Workboats and Offshore Marine, focusing on the vibrant market for such vessels across that region.

In 2002, Paul set up PB Marine Consulting Ltd and has worked on a variety of consultancy projects during the last two decades. He has also contributed regular articles on the maritime sector for a range of shipping publications and online services in Europe, Asia, and the US.

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