Nuclear propulsion aboard commercial maritime vessels may sound like a science fiction scenario, but this is precisely the subject of a new study that draw increasing attention.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has completed a landmark study on the use of nuclear propulsion aboard large ships, to help the industry understand in detail both the potential of modern reactor technology and how this will affect the design and operation of future vessels.
Under a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy, ABS worked with Herbert Engineering Corp. (HEC) in a groundbreaking study to explore the transformational impact of nuclear propulsion on the design, operation and emissions of a 14k teu container vessel and a 157k dwt Suezmax tanker.
ABS commissioned HEC to carry out the study to explore the potential of advanced modern reactor technology for commercial marine propulsion. The aim of the study is to help industry better understand the feasibility and safety implications of nuclear propulsion and to support future development projects.
The study modelled the impact of two, lead-cooled, 30MW fast reactors on the container carrier, finding it would likely increase cargo capacity and operational speed, while eliminating the need for refuelling during its entire 25-year lifespan.
On the suezmax vessel, the study found the addition of four, 5MW, heat-pipe microreactors, while decreasing cargo capacity, would raise operational speeds and only require refuelling once during its 25-year life. Both concept vessels would emit zero CO2.
Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO said “the industry cannot afford to ignore the vast potential offered by nuclear propulsion both in terms of emissions reduction and operational efficiency. A net-zero world is more easily realized through nuclear propulsion, and we are putting in place the foundations for that future today. Turning this into a practical reality will require significant public sector support and ABS is well placed to bring governments and industry together.”
ABS is playing a pioneering role in supporting the development of nuclear propulsion for commercial vessels. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded ABS a contract to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels.
“This study is helping us to understand in detail both the potential of modern reactor technology and how this will affect the design and operation of future vessels,” said Robert Tagg, Senior Principal Naval Architect at HEC.
