Connect with us

Alternative Fuels

C-Job research shows nuclear energy may be used as marine propulsion

Firm concluded that Molten Salt Reactor has the most potential in the long term for future maritime applications due to combination of passive safety, high burn-up and thorium.
Admin

Published

3 years ago

on

122

C-Job Naval Architect (C-Job) on Tuesday (20 August) shared new research that showed nuclear energy could be applied as marine propulsion in the future. 

According to the independent ship design company, nuclear technology has seen several interesting developments and should be considered for future maritime applications.

Based on the research, C-Job concluded that the Molten Salt Reactor has the most potential in the long term. The combination of passive safety, high burn-up, and the future potential to use the thorium cycle make it the best fit for maritime application. With thorium, the high-level nuclear waste longevity can be reduced from more than 10,000 years to approximately 300 years.

The research, published in a paper titled Nuclear reactors for marine propulsion and power generation systems, was carried out by Koen Houtkoop, Msc. Marine Technology graduate at TU Delft, on behalf of C-Job. 

“Developments in nuclear energy have mostly been focused on land-based applications. However, a number of aspects make them of interest for maritime application. In particular, the significant reduction in harmful emissions. Compared to conventional fuel-based systems, my research showed that there can be up to a 98% reduction in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the air pollution emissions, such as SOx, PM and NOx, are eliminated completely,” said Koen Houtkoop. 

“There are obvious concerns with nuclear energy such as nuclear waste as well as societal perception. Additionally, we should be mindful that regulations for marine application are outdated and require significant effort for a successful application.”

The research identified large ocean-going vessels as having the most potential for nuclear propulsion. By creating four different concepts (bulk, container, tanker, and offshore), key items were analysed, including the mass and volume of the energy storage and power generation system. It shows that, even though the shield around the reactor is a significant portion of the respective mass and volume of the nuclear power generation system, in most cases, the nuclear option is lighter and more compact than the conventional marine diesel option.

While nuclear marine propulsion has a high capital expenditure, the research showed it to be cost-effective within five to fifteen years depending on fuel cost and the vessel’s operational profile. 

Furthermore, nuclear marine propulsion offers the potential to consider higher design speeds, making the ship more profitable. This is because fuel cost (OPEX) only grows marginally with higher speeds where ultimately the main limiting factor would be the CAPEX of the installation with more power.

Niels de Vries, Lead Naval Architect at C-Job, said: “We’re not one to shy away from the unconventional. Where maritime applications for ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol have advanced, nuclear energy so far has not been widely considered to be a viable option.

“As with other energy sources, appropriate safety measures must be in place and the technology must be developed further before it’s mature enough to be implemented but nuclear technology has serious potential. More research is needed to fully understand the design, operation, and life cycle.”

Note: The full research paper “Nuclear reactors for marine propulsion and power generation systems” can be found here. 

 

Photo credit: C-Job Naval Architect
Published: 31 August, 2022

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Biofuel

GREENMARINE and Vertoro to accelerate adoption of lignin-alcohol as marine fuel

Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.
Admin

Published

3 days ago

on

July 11, 2025

By

Chuttersnap 1 1 MT

Methanol marine fuels consultancy GREENMARINE and Vertoro, a Maersk-backed Dutch start-up focused on developing liquid lignin technology which can be used as a bunker fuel, has signed an agreement to jointly accelerate the market validation and commercial roll-out of lignin-alcohol as sustainable marine fuels.

“We at GREENMARINE Group are excited to join forces with Vertoro to bring their revolutionary lignin alcohol blend fuel to market,” said Fredrik Stubner, founder and CEO of GREENMARINE Group.

“This breakthrough technology redefines sustainable maritime fuels, delivering environmental benefits and cost efficiencies, paving the way for a greener, more competitive shipping industry.”

Dr. Michael Boot Boot, co-founder & co-CEO Vertoro, replied, “GREENMARINE Group has an excellent track record as a match maker for green fuel producers with engine manufacturers and shipping companies, opening many doors for us on both the fuel validation and offtake side.”

Vertoro, founded in 2017, produces liquid lignin exclusively from sustainably sourced forestry and agricultural residues by means of a patented thermochemical process. Like fossil oil, liquid lignin can be used as a platform for fuel, chemical and material applications.

Related: Maersk invests in Dutch start-up Vertoro to develop green lignin marine fuels

 

Photo credit: CHUTTERSNAP from Unsplash
Published: 11 July 2025

Continue Reading

Newbuilding

Singapore: Pinnacle Marine’s first B100 fuelled utility boat starts 1,000-hour research trial

Newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.
Admin

Published

5 days ago

on

July 9, 2025

By

President MT

The 50th vessel constructed by local boat builder Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, namely President 100, is starting 1,000 hours of real-time research trials in collaboration with several parties from Wednesday (9 July) onwards, it says.

Powered by B100 biodiesel, the newbuilding operated by Prestige Ocean Pte Ltd will capture data on bunker fuel emissions, marine fuel behaviour, and performance.

It will be participating in trials with Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD), Weichai Singapore, China Classification Society, Pacific International Lines (PTE) Ltd, Abo Shoten, Ltd. / 株式会社安保商店 , Abo Singapore, Wilmar International, Gulf Marine, Amspec Testing & Services, and AYK Engineering and Consulting.

President MT 02

The President 100, Pinnacle Marine’s first full biodiesel utility boat, was launched on Tuesday in the presence of over 100 guests.

“Our latest vessel, President 100, merges legacy and future. Named after our first aluminium boat (“President”) and inspired by B100 biodiesel, it leads the charge for our next 50 vessels — many of which will embrace green technology,” stated Pinnacle Marine in a LinkedIn post.

“The launch was amazing, with strong turnout from across the maritime sector — authorities, shipowners, operators, agencies, chandlers, researchers, offshore engineers, and petrochemical suppliers.”

It added: “We’re excited to see how it paves the way for wider adoption of B100 biodiesel — a cleaner, sustainable path for Singapore’s harbour craft sector.”

 

Photo credit: Pinnacle Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Published: 9 July 2025

Continue Reading

Newbuilding

BHP awards charter contracts for two ammonia dual-fuelled bulk carriers

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Admin

Published

5 days ago

on

July 9, 2025

By

BHP ammonia DF charters

Global resources company BHP on Wednesday (2 July) signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of COSCO shipping Group (COSCO Shipping) for the charter of two ammonia dual-fuelled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.

The new vessels to be built under this arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a bunker fuel.

The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.

When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fuelled voyage.

The five-year time charter contracts are expected to contribute towards a reduction in the GHG emissions intensity of BHP chartered shipping.

BHP continues to work with the maritime industry to develop an ammonia bunkering plan – the process of fuelling ships with ammonia – for the two vessels when they are delivered from 2028.

Sourcing lower and low to zero GHG emissions ammonia is subject to an ongoing tender process.

 

Photo credit: BHP
Published: 9 July 2025

Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS



Trending