ULC-Energy (ULC) has completed an study analyzing the design and economic implications of using civil nuclear reactor technology to power a Newcastlemax bulk carrier.
As explained, the study compares a nuclear-powered Newcastlemax bulk carrier with one powered by conventional very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) and one powered by green ammonia. In collaboration with C-Job Naval Architects, the study explores the design impact, greenhouse gas emissions, and commercial performance for each fuel type. Specifically, the study provided the following insights:
- The structural and safety modifications needed to integrate a nuclear reactor into a Newcastlemax bulk carrier would have minimal impact on its cargo capacity.
- Nuclear propulsion offers the lowest operational cost per ton shipped, significantly lower than alternatives like ammonia or VLSFO. While the lower fuel costs of a nuclear-powered ship are partly offset by the higher capital expenditures required to construct the vessel, the study found that a nuclear-powered Newcastlemax bulk carrier could sail longer, faster, and cheaper, all without producing greenhouse gas emissions.
- A nuclear-powered Newcastlemax has nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions, lower even than a ship powered by green ammonia, demonstrating the potential of nuclear propulsion to support the shipping industry’s decarbonization goals.
This latest study from ULC-Energy furthers our mission to deliver unique, fundamentals-based analysis on the integration of nuclear technologies into various industries.
… commented Dirk Rabelink, CEO of ULC-Energy.
The study also acknowledged that civil nuclear maritime propulsion faces licensing, operational, and other challenges. Given that most nuclear reactor designs being considered for maritime use are still in the conceptual phase, current estimates for the capital costs of such ships are limited; however, accuracy will improve as projects mature.
To remind, Lloyd’s Register (LR) and CORE POWER have launched a joint regulatory assessment study to conduct research on the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear container ship using a fourth-generation reactor.
The study is another remarkable milestone for the adoption of nuclear power in marine vessels. It shows how C-Job can work in a flexible manner with its clients and combine knowledge in designs that create significant value.
… said Niels De Vries, Head of Energy at C-Job.
