The shipping industry consumes some 350 million tonnes of fossil fuel annually and accounts for about 3% of total worldwide carbon emissions.
On the occasion of the New Nuclear for Maritime Houston Summit, the naval engineering group HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering presented the project of its nuclear-powered container ship that uses Small Modular Reactor (Smr) technology.
15,000 Teu boxship
This 15,000 Teu boxship has received approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping. Its unique design eliminates the need for a conventional engine exhaust system and fuel tanks, offering more cargo space. It is also equipped with several advanced safety measures, such as a marine radiation shielding system with a dual tank method with light water and stainless steel.It also has a CO2-based propulsion system, made possible by the company’s collaboration with Baker Hughes.
A turning point in the shipbuilding sector
Patrick Ryan, technical director of ABS stated that nuclear-powered ships can represent a turning point in the shipbuilding sector which, as is known, is also moving towards carbon neutrality.
The latest studies conducted by Abs and Herbert Engineering have shown positive results, demonstrating that a 14,000 tonne container ship with two 30 MW fast reactors could remain operational for 25 years without having to refuel.
Study nuclear-powered container ships.
The president and CEO of ABS, Christopher J. Wiernicki, said that when considering compliance costs, fuel differences and residual value, nuclear ships are cost-competitive and produce no carbon emissions
Maersk Studies For Nuclear-Powered Container Ships with LR
.Other giants in the maritime world are also exploring this avenue with Lloyd’s Register and Core Power teaming up with Maersk to study nuclear-powered container ships. Newcleo has also collaborated with Rina and Fincantieri to develop specialized maritime Small Modular Reactors.
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The shipping industry consumes some 350 million tonnes of fossil fuel annually and accounts for about 3% of total worldwide carbon emissions. In July last year, the shipping industry, via the International Maritime Organization, approved new targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by or around 2050.
It is noteworthy that In October 2023, a design for a floating offshore nuclear power barge from HD KSOE and Kepco Engineering & Construction (Kepco E&C) received approval in principle from ABS. Project collaborators included ABS, HD KSOE, Kepco E&C and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry. The floating SMR barge is intended to serve as offshore power generation for remote communities and island electrification.
