Nuclear-powered bulk carriers could sail longer, faster, cheaper: Study

The bulk carriers –also known as bulkers – of the future could sail faster, longer, and for much cheaper if they use nuclear energy for power, according to the results derived from a recent study.

The study was conducted by Amsterdam-based ULC-Energy, a nuclear development and consulting company, in collaboration with ship designing company C-Job Naval Architects.

Bulk carriers are cargo ships that transport large amounts of dry cargo over long distance. They are an essential part of the global commodities transport and trade network, as they provide key elements around the globe.

The study tried to analyze the design and economic benefits of using nuclear power energy to power a Newcastlemax bulk carrier, over a regular low sulfur fuel, and another which is powered by green ammonia.

The study also explored the design impact, greenhouse gas emissions, and commercial performance for each fuel type.

Main findings from the study

The study resulted in several key findings, some of which can be used in advocacy of civil nuclear reactor technology.

The first benefit was that the integration of a nuclear reactor on the bulker would not require too much of space. The addition of a reactor would have a minimum impact on the cargo carrying capacity of the Newcastlemax bulk carrier.

The study also showed that nuclear propulsion offers the lowest operational cost per ton shipped, significantly lower than alternatives like ammonia or conventional low sulfur fuel (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.

“This latest study from ULC-Energy furthers our mission to deliver unique, fundamentals-based analysis on the integration of nuclear technologies into various industries,” said Dirk Rabelink, CEO of ULC-Energy – according to a press release.

Zero emissions from nuclear powered Newcastlemax bulker

Another key benefit of using nuclear energy on the Newcastlemax bulk carrier is that its operations are almost free from greenhouse gas emissions, as compared to a ship powered by green ammonia, demonstrating the potential of nuclear propulsion to support the shipping industry’s decarbonization goals.

However, the study acknowledged that civil nuclear maritime propulsion faces licensing, operational, and other challenges today.

It also recognizes that 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.

Niels De Vries, Head of Energy at C-Job, said, “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.”

“Furthermore, it is another great example of the capability of C-Job with system integration and risk-based design to ultimately make shipping more sustainable. We valued the collaboration with ULC-Energy, specialists on nuclear technology and fuel, and look forward to working together on future projects.”

Recently, three companies had also launched a study to assess multiple factors including regulatory feasibility for a nuclear-powered container ship.

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.