Norway-based shipbuilder VARD on Friday (3 January) said it has partnered with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Ålesund, Norway and other key stakeholders in the NuProShip I project, which explores nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.
NuProShip, short for “Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping,” will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.
In this project, an extensive assessment of 99 companies developing advanced reactor technologies led to the selection of three promising reactor types:
- Kairos Power (USA): Fluoride high-temperature molten salt reactor using Tri-structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles, designed for robust and efficient operation.
- Ultrasafe (USA): Helium-cooled gas reactor, also employing TRISO fuel particles, known for their resilience and safety in extreme conditions.
- Blykalla (Sweden): Lead-cooled reactor concept utilizing uranium oxide as fuel, offering high efficiency with advanced cooling mechanisms.
VARD said TRISO fuel particles, noted for their durability and containment properties, play a crucial role in two of these reactor types.
“TRISO technology in fact, is renowned as one of the most resilient nuclear fuel types available today,” it added.
Alongside VARD, the NuProShip project is supported by other partners, including DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, ship owner Knutsen Tankers, and the Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM.
VARD’s primary contribution involves integrating these reactor systems into various vessel types, assessing the technical challenges to enable the future commercial use of nuclear-powered ships.
Photo credit: VARD
Published: 10 January, 2025
