Nuclear container ship with fourth-generation reactor could soon become reality

As demand for clean energy is increasing and countries are exploring alternatives for fossil fuels, a nuclear-powered container ship can help reduce cargo ship emissions.

In this arena, three companies have launched a study to assess multiple factors including regulatory feasibility.

Lloyd’s Register (LR), CORE POWER, and AP Moller – Maersk will research on frameworks needed to establish nuclear container ship using a fourth-generation reactor.

Nuclear power in container shipping

The study will analyze requirements for updated safety rules along with the improved operational and regulatory understanding that is needed for the application of nuclear power in container shipping.

“Since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, we have continuously explored diverse low emission energy options for our assets,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology, A.P. Moller – Maersk.

Jakobsen stated that nuclear power holds a number of challenges related to for example safety, waste management, and regulatory acceptance across regions, and so far, the downsides have clearly outweighed the benefits of the technology.

Nuclear power could mature into decarbonization pathway for logistics industry in 10-15 years

He stressed that if these challenges can be addressed by development of the new so-called fourth-generation reactor designs, nuclear power could potentially mature into another possible decarbonization pathway for the logistics industry 10 to 15 years in the future.

“Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low emission solutions.”

The study is expected to bring together the expertise of LR as a trusted adviser to the maritime industry , CORE POWER’s experience of developing advanced nuclear energy technology for maritime applications, a leading Port Authority and Maersk’s extensive experience in shipping and logistics.

Study could unlock potential of nuclear power in maritime industry

“The initiation of this joint study marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards unlocking the potential of nuclear power in the maritime industry, paving the way for emissions-free operations, more agile service networks and greater efficiency through the supply chain,” said Nick Brown, CEO, Lloyd’s Register.

Brown maintained that a multi-fuel pathway to decarbonizing the maritime industry is crucial to ensuring we as an industry meet the IMO’s emission reduction targets, and nuclear propulsion shows signs of playing a key role in this energy transition.

There’s no net-zero without nuclear power

“There’s no net-zero without nuclear,” said Mikal Bøe, CEO, CORE POWER.

Bøe underlined that a critical key to unlocking the vast potential for nuclear energy to transform how the maritime sector is powered, is the standard framework for commercial insurability of floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered ships that would operate in nearshore environments, ports, and waterways.

“We’re immensely pleased to be working with some of Europe’s most respected industry participants to set out the conditions for how this can be achieved,” added Bøe .

The interest in nuclear-powered shipping is not limited to European companies. In China, state-run Jiangnan Shipyard has developed a design for a 24,000 TEU megamax containership incorporating MSR technology. The yard’s parent company, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has touted this ultra-large nuclear container ship as a solution for achieving true zero emissions throughout the vessel’s operating cycle, according to Logistics Insider .