THE AMERICAN Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released a report on the potential of using advanced nuclear technology in maritime applications, with a study of a small modular reactor on a standard liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.
The classification society modeled the transformational impact of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) on the design, operation, and emissions of a 145,000m3 LNG carrier design, in collaboration with the Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC).
The study found the HTGR technology allowed faster transit speeds and offers zero-emission operations. There would also be no requirement to refuel, although the HTGR technology would need to be replaced approximately every six years, according to ABS.
The society said the study is designed to help industry better understand the feasibility and safety implications of nuclear propulsion, and to support future development projects.
Information on heat and energy management, shielding, weight distribution, and other design features for an LNG carrier with nuclear propulsion were revealed to ABS and industry from the study.
The class society said the information gathered from the study will assist the identification of design issues that in turn will inform future regulatory development.
Senior vice president and chief technology officer of the ABS, Patrick Ryan, said while the technology is well understood on land, adapting it for marine application is in its infancy.
“However, this study and the other research we have carried out clearly highlight its significant potential to address not only shipping’s emissions challenge but to deliver a range of other operational advantages to the industry,” Mr Ryan said.
“ABS is committed to helping the industry evaluate its suitability for use in a range of use cases and LNG carriers is just one of a range of potential applications we are exploring.”
The study shows a nuclear propelled LNG carrier would have specific design features, with reactors placed at the rear of the vessel, and batteries forward of the location occupied by fuel tanks on current vessels, as well as a reinforced hull.
Due to design constraints, the HTGR technology would only be suitable for larger LNG carriers, the ABS said.
The report is the latest in a succession of initiatives from the ABS designed to address challenges to the adoption of nuclear technology at sea.
The United States Department of Energy has awarded ABS a contract to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels.
Earlier this month, the society launched the industry’s first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants at a forum for nuclear industry leaders held jointly with Idaho National Laboratory.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the ABS is one of the largest classification societies in the world, and was established in 1862 during the American Civil War, to certify qualified ship captains for safe operations.
