Nuclear Power Set to Transform Commercial Shipping
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology is spearheading the Nuclear Propulsion in Merchant Shipping (NuProShip II) project, which aims to integrate nuclear reactors into heavy-duty commercial vessels. This innovative initiative comes at a critical time, as the global shipping industry, responsible for 3% of greenhouse gas emissions, faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. With projections indicating that shipping emissions could rise to 10% by 2030, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent.
Approximately 80% of world trade is conducted via maritime routes, making the shipping industry a vital component of the global economy. However, the sector’s reliance on heavy fuel oil presents a significant challenge in the quest for greener solutions. While alternatives such as green ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol have been proposed, their availability remains limited. Moreover, the electricity required to produce these fuels could surpass the world’s total production capacity, complicating the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Innovative Reactor Designs for Heavy-Duty Vessels
To address these challenges, the NuProShip II consortium is exploring the feasibility of fitting Generation IV small modular nuclear reactors onto commercial vessels. The project focuses on a demonstrator concept based on a 120-meter (394-foot) offshore subsea construction vessel designed by Vard, a subsidiary of Fincantieri. The goal is to develop a simple, safe, and self-contained reactor that can be installed in new ships or retrofitted to existing ones without extensive modifications.
The reactors under consideration utilize tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel, which consists of ceramic-coated uranium particles capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 1,600 °C (2,912 °F). These pebble-bed reactors are designed to be inherently safe, with self-regulating nuclear reactions and passive cooling systems. Each module can produce between 15 to 45 MW of thermal power using supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycle reactors. The cooling system is likely to use helium, as alternatives like molten salt and sodium pose challenges when in contact with water. Larger vessels may employ lead-cooled reactors or molten salt systems.
One of the significant advantages of nuclear-powered vessels is their potential for unlimited range, requiring refueling only every five years or possibly not at all during their operational lifespan. Additionally, these reactors occupy less space than conventional diesel engines, allowing for more efficient vessel designs.
Addressing Safety and Regulatory Challenges
Safety is a paramount concern in the design of these nuclear reactors. The objective is to create a self-contained unit that can be securely installed in the engine space, with the ship’s structure designed to protect the reactor in the event of a collision. A report from the NuProShip II project indicates that nuclear power could be a more economical alternative to other green technologies, potentially eliminating the need for government subsidies.
However, several hurdles remain before nuclear-powered ships can become a reality. Infrastructure for maintaining these vessels, including refueling facilities and systems for handling low-level nuclear waste, must be developed. Additionally, the reactors need to be designed as factory-sealed, containerized modules that can be easily replaced at the end of their service life. Compliance with stringent regulations, such as those set by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is also essential.
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Henrik Burvang, Research & Innovation Manager at Vard Design AS, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “NuProShip II demonstrates that nuclear-powered vessels are not just a vision, but a technically feasible solution.” With the involvement of professional ship owners like Island Offshore, the project aims to pave the way for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible shipping practices.
