A recent study conducted by ABS and Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC) has modeled the potential impact of a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) on the design, operation, and emissions of a 145,000 m³ LNG carrier.
According to ABS, the Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications report aims to deepen the industry’s understanding of nuclear propulsion’s feasibility and safety implications while supporting future development projects. The findings highlight critical areas such as heat and energy management, shielding, and weight distribution, which are essential for developing new rules and regulations surrounding nuclear-powered vessels.
The study indicates that HTGR technology can facilitate faster transit speeds and enable zero-emission operations. Notably, vessels using this technology would not require refueling, though the HTGR would need to be replaced approximately every six years.
ABS Senior Vice President Patrick Ryan emphasized that while this technology is established on land, its application in marine environments is still in early development. He believes that nuclear propulsion could significantly mitigate shipping emissions and provide various operational benefits.
Key design features of a nuclear-propelled LNG carrier include reactor placement at the vessel’s rear and battery positioning forward of fuel tanks, alongside a reinforced hull. However, the HTGR technology is only deemed suitable for larger LNG carriers due to design constraints.
This report follows ABS’s broader initiatives to address the challenges of adopting nuclear technology at sea, including the recent launch of comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants in collaboration with the Idaho National Laboratory. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Energy has contracted ABS to investigate barriers to implementing advanced nuclear propulsion in commercial vessels.
