LR, Maersk and Core Power to conduct nuclear container ship regulatory study

Lloyd’s Register (LR), A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) and Core Power have launched a joint regulatory assessment study to research the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear container ship using a fourth-generation reactor noted for its high inherent safety to undertake cargo operations at a port in Europe.

Research development agreement

Following initial planning, the companies have formalized their collaboration by signing a joint development project agreement to undertake the study. The joint study will investigate the requirements for updated safety rules along with the improved operational and regulatory understanding that is needed for the application of nuclear power in container shipping. In addition, this study is intended to provide insight for members of the maritime value chain who are exploring the business case for nuclear power to help shape their fleet strategy toward achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Maritime technology expertise

Nick Brown, CEO of LR, said, “The initiation of this joint study marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward 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 decarbonizing the maritime industry is crucial to ensuring we as an industry meet the IMO’s emission reduction targets. Nuclear propulsion shows signs of playing a key role in this energy transition.”

Mikal Bøe, CEO of Core Power, added, “There’s 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. 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.”

Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology at Maersk, commented, “Since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, we have continuously explored diverse low-emission energy options for our 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. 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 10-15 years in the future. Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low-emission solutions.”

In related news, Lloyd’s Register (LR) also recently released the Fuel for Thought: Nuclear report, which finds that nuclear power could create emission-free shipping, while extending the lifecycle of vessels and removing the uncertainty of fuel and refueling infrastructure development. However, it also points out that regulation and safety considerations must be addressed for widespread commercial adoption. Click here to read the full story.