Chairman and CEO of classification society ABS, Christopher J. Wiernicki, recently shared his views on nuclear technology in shipping, emphasising that nuclear is a must in order to achieve net zero. 

“New nuclear technology is a global decarbonisation solution and a commercial shipping disruptor. There is no net zero by 2050 without nuclear,” he said when speaking at the Core Power New Nuclear for Maritime Houston Summit.

“New nuclear is a transformational technology. It disrupts the commercial model, the economics of shipping, as well as the operation of vessels and of course their design,” said Wiernicki. 

“Not only does it offer zero carbon operations but higher power with faster transit speeds, increased cargo storage due to the elimination of fuel storage and it unlocks the potential for reverse cold ironing where the vessel powers the port. Finally, critically, it eliminates the need to bunker fuel potentially over the entire lifespan of the asset.”

Contrary to conventional wisdom about the high cost of nuclear technology, Wiernicki believes new nuclear can be highly competitive.

“The economics are compelling over the life of a vessel,” he said. “When you account for fuel differentials, the cost of compliance and residual value, it costs roughly the same as fossil options, only with zero carbon operations. And it gets much more attractive when compared to the high cost of green fuels.”

However, he highlighted that significant challenges remain beyond technological development.

“While the potential is undoubtedly significant, we will need a new public/private partnership and a new commercial model. It will require insurance to move from its legacy model, and we will need to close the regulatory gaps, develop global licensing standards and invest in crew training,” he said. 

“The ultimate boundary condition for this technology will be safety, and we need to ensure we engage and educate the public about the advanced safety performance of these new reactors.”

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 14 February, 2025

UK-based firm Core Power on Thursday (15 August) said Danish-shipping giant A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has agreed to join a study by Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Core Power on the potential for nuclear-propelled feeder container shipping in Europe.

The three parties will conduct research on the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear containership using a fourth-generation reactor noted for its high inherent safety to undertake cargo operations at a port in Europe.

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 port authority and Maersk's extensive experience in shipping and logistics.

Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, A.P. Moller – Maersk, said: “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 to 15 years in the future. Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low emission solutions.”

Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register, 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 the IMO’s emission reduction targets and nuclear propulsion shows signs of playing a key role in this energy transition.” 

Mikal Bøe, CEO of Core Power, said: “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.”

Photo credit: Maersk
Published: 19 August, 2024 

Classification society ABS on Friday (19 July) said it has teamed up with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) to advance commercial small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ships and floating SMR power generation platforms.

ABS will provide analysis of applicable regulatory guidelines and international standards for the design of SMR-powered ships.

KRISO will develop core technologies for SMR-powered ships, including conceptual designs for the vessel and propulsion systems as well as the development of a framework for integrated ship, nuclear power safety analysis. 

In addition, KRISO will design a floating SMR power generation platform, a nuclear power plant on the sea, along with a commercialisation model that can supply stable power to island areas in the future.

“ABS is taking a leading role in the support of nuclear power projects in the maritime industry through our knowledge of international regulations and development of Class-related related safety requirements,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

“We are proud to apply our experience to these research projects with KRISO. With the increased focus on zero-carbon emissions, modern nuclear technologies offer the potential for decarbonisation in many areas of the sector.”

“Through this joint research with ABS, we will lead the development of future eco-friendly marine technology and establish global standards for the commercialisation of SMRs in the marine sector and will lead the global market for nuclear-powered ships in the future,” said Keyyong Hong, President of KRISO.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 22 July 2024