Maersk joins nuclear box ship study

Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Core Power will 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. Following initial planning, the industry leaders, who are joined by AP Moller-Maersk (Maersk), have signed 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 will provide insight for members of the maritime value chain who are 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 expertise of LR as a trusted adviser to the maritime industry, Core Power’s experience of developing advanced nuclear energy technology for maritime applications, a leading port authority and Maersk’s extensive experience in shipping and logistics.

Lloyd’s Register chief executive 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 IMO’s emissions-reduction targets and nuclear propulsion shows signs of playing a key role in this energy transition.”

Core Power chief executive Mikal Bøe 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.”

Maersk head of fleet technology Ole Graa Jakobsen said, “Nuclear power holds a number of challenges related to 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 decarbonisation pathway for the logistics industry 10 to 15 years in the future. Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low-emissions solutions.”