The Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, in its latest Zero-Carbon Fuel Monitor, highlights the increasing readiness of nuclear propulsion technology for maritime applications.
According to the report, advancements in nuclear technology have improved safety and environmental outcomes. Modern designs enhance the safety of onboard ship energy systems, addressing public safety concerns. Additionally, new technologies capable of recycling spent fuel from PWRs reduce environmental impact. Practical aspects of offshore refueling have been demonstrated, notably with the Akademik Lomonosov platform’s first refueling of a floating nuclear power station in November 2023.
The assessment includes five nuclear technology categories:
- high temperature gas reactors,
- liquid metal cooled reactors,
- pressurized water reactors (PWRs),
- micro-reactors (heat pipes), and
- molten salt reactors.
Despite the advancements, the adoption of nuclear technologies in commercial shipping faces challenges. Public perception issues continue to affect community readiness levels (CRLs), and investment readiness levels (IRLs) remain low due to uncertainties about widespread commercial uptake. However, as more data from testbed solutions become available, uncertainties around operation, costs, and safety are expected to decrease.
Nuclear power is a zero-carbon, reliable, and mature technology that has been in use for more than 60 years and has undergone testing and deployment in both commercial and defense applications within the maritime domain.
… commented Chirayu Batra, Chief Technology Officer, Lucid Catalyst, who contributed to the ZCFM nuclear assessment
Indeed, the industry seems to be making steps towards nuclear propulsion. For instance, HD Hyundai Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) announced in early March the formation of the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) in partnership with leading international nuclear energy entities. NEMO’s mission is to assist national and international regulators in developing forward-looking standards and rules for the deployment, operation, and decommissioning of floating nuclear power.
The organization aims to bridge the regulatory gap between the nuclear and maritime industries by working with nuclear regulators, maritime regulators, class societies, and insurers. Additionally, NEMO focuses on educating stakeholders about the potential of floating nuclear power in decarbonizing heavy industry and transport.
Key Priorities to Increase Readiness
The integration of advanced nuclear technologies into the maritime industry’s decarbonisation strategy requires coordinated efforts across various stakeholders. According to the report, the following priority areas to be addressed as outlined below:
#1 Tackling community acceptance with evidence
Community education is needed for a fair assessment of nuclear against other fuels and technologies, based on data and evidence. Technology trials in commercial shipping are required to create this evidence.
#2 Developing international standards
There needs to be an international approach for this globally connected sector. Currently, standards that are being developed are at the national level only.
#3 Reducing investment risks
More certainty over the technology and regulations is needed to form clear investment cases for nuclear, and business models will need to be adapted to account for the change from traditional fuel contracts.
#4 Defining port and port infrastructure requirements
Port infrastructure and requirements need to be defined in parallel to technology and regulation development for ports receiving vessels using nuclear propulsion. This includes adapting port facilities for refuelling and spent fuel management, with the technology concept and procedures standardised at an international level.
Therefore, from the technological perspective, the industry is making faster progress. It is now essential for the nuclear and maritime industries to collaborate in addressing issues that impact community and investment readiness, including regulatory uncertainties and overall negative public perception of security risk and safety of nuclear deployment in commercial shipping.
… said Amelia Hipwell, Decarbonisation Innovation Manager for the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub
