LLOYD’s Register nuclear technology company CORE POWER have launched a joint study to investigate the possibility for a nuclear container ship to conduct cargo operations.
The joint regulatory assessment study conduct research on the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear-propelled feeder container ship to undertake cargo operations at a port in Europe.
The industry leaders, who are joined by A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), formalised their collaboration through the signing of a joint development project agreement to undertake the study.
As well as safety, operational, and regulatory requirements, the study intends to provide insight for members of the maritime industry also exploring the business case for nuclear power, to help shape their fleet strategy towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
The study will bring together the experience of Lloyd’s register as an adviser to the maritime industry, CORE POWER’s experience of developing advanced nuclear energy technology for maritime applications, and Maersk’s extensive experience in shipping and logistics.
CORE POWER is a UK-based company that focusses on the design of and investment in nuclear technology, specialising in nuclear projects in maritime.
CEO of Lloyd’s Register, Nick Brown said “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”.
“A multi-fuel pathway to decarbonising 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” Mr Brown said.
Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology at Maersk said that since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, the company has continuously explored diverse low emission energy options for its assets.
“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” Mr Jakobsen said.
“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.”
Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER said there is “no net-zero” without nuclear.
“A critical key to unlocking the vast potential for nuclear energy to transform how the maritime sector is powered, is the standards framework for commercial insurability of floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered ships that would operate in nearshore environments, ports, and waterways” Mr Bøe said.
“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.”
