Nuclear for maritime
In order to accelerate the ambition of a Net-Zero waterborne transport sector, a fuel-neutral approach towards sustain able fuels is required. This approach includes focusing on a mix of green tech nologies, including for example liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol, hydrogen, wind-assisted propulsion and fuel cells, so as to identify the most effective solu tions for decarbonization of each ‘use case’. Looking forward, the broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions and transform the maritime sector into a more sustainable, competitive and tech nologically advanced maritime industry cannot exclude nuclear energy propulsion systems. Nuclear energy is part of the Green Tax onomy and is included in the Net-Zero Industry Act44. At the moment, 12 out of 27 EU members produce nuclear energy. Ten of them, during the COP28 in Dubai, committed to tripling production by 2050. Belgium and Spain remained outside, the latter having instead decided to abandon nuclear power by 2035. Others, like Ita ly, envision an energy mix for 2050 that includes nuclear power, considering its reintroduction as a decisive step towards creating a low-emission, low-cost energy system. Nuclear energy for maritime propulsion represents a revolutionary opportunity for research and innovation. This tech nology not only promises to transform the shipping industry by providing a sustain able and efficient energy source but also opens numerous avenues for scientific ex ploration and technological advancement. Nuclear energy is certainly promising for use in both naval and commercial ves sels of medium to large sizes. However, intensive work will be needed on public perception of the maritime use of nuclear energy for commercial vessels and on adapting regulatory aspects related to operations, such as the docking of nu clear-powered ships in ports of different countries they visit.
Key Research Areas in the field of nuclear technologies for maritime will include:
1. Advanced Reactor Technologies: Researchers are focusing on developing compact and efficient reactor designs specifically tailored for maritime use. These reactors must meet stringent safety and performance standards while being adaptable to various types of vessels.
2. Regulatory and Safety Frameworks: Establishing robust regulatory frameworks is crucial for the safe deployment of nuclear propulsion. This involves interdisciplinary research to address legal, environmental, and safety concerns, ensuring compliance with international maritime laws.
3. Environmental Impact Studies: Understanding the environmental implications of nuclear-powered vessels is essential. Research in this area aims to assess the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the overall ecological footprint compared to conventional propulsion methods.
4. Economic Viability and Commercialization: Investigating the economic aspects of nuclear propulsion, including cost-benefit analyses and market potential, is vital for its commercial success. This research helps identify the f inancial feasibility and long term benefits for the maritime industry.
5. Integration with Existing Maritime Infrastructure: Research is also focused on how nuclear propulsion can be integrated with current maritime infrastructure, including ports and shipyards. This involves studying the logistical and technical challenges of retrofitting existing vessels and building new ones.
Additionally, priority should be given to the following crucial aspects:
• The development of safe waste disposal procedures and
• The realization of turnkey systems ready for integration with on board systems
Main projects in progress:
Several projects are currently under study for fourth generation (Gen IV) plants, to be developed and tested over the next 20 years. These new types of reactors prom ise more reliable operation, minimal con sequences in the event of accidents, and better management. They are considered internationally promising solutions for maritime applications, both in terms of safety and sustainability, thanks to innova tive design solutions based on the “safe ty-by-design” approach. In Europe, many projects for the develop ment of new nuclear reactors are funded by the EU and primarily involve consortia formed by public research centers and universities, while in the USA and Canada, private industrial actors are more involved. Recently, the American Bureau of Ship ping (ABS) has issued a publication regarding approval in principle (AIP) for a 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered contain er ship project, designed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE). This design, based upon the first comprehensive requirements for floating nuclear power published by ABS in Octo ber last year (“Requirements For Nuclear Power Systems For Marine And Offshore Applications”45) uses a molten salt reactor (MSR) for heat and a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) system for power genera tion. ABS is also conducting research with the U.S. Department of Energy and multiple New Technology Qualification and Approv al-in-Principle projects with the shipping industry. Another classification society, RINA, has been collaborating since 2023 with the UK-based company Newcleo to develop a lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) for ship propulsion. This project involves 45 ww2.eagle.org/content/dam/eagle/rules-and-guides/ current/special_service/346-requirements-for-nuclear power-systems-for-marine-and-offshore-applications 2024/346-nuclear-power-systems-reqts-oct24.pdf installing a mini reactor on vessels, func tioning as a small nuclear battery with a 30-MW electric output. This innovative solution could potentially limit refueling to once every 10-15 years. Looking at the global scenario, it is worth noting also that in China the Jiangnan shipyard announced in late 2023 the project of an ultra-large nuclear-powered container ship that will use molten salt technology with a Gen IV reactor (Molten Salt Reactor)46. If this 24,000 TEU nuclear container ship will be actually built, it will be the first new civilian container vessel with such characteristics in 50 years, equipped with a propulsion system capa ble of guaranteeing, in principle, an oper ation, with a single refueling, of 20-25 years: compared to other alternative fuels, see for example ammonia or green hydro gen, the problems related to uncertainty about prices and availability would be eliminated, while also the issues related to infrastructure aspects would be removed.