Maersk joins study to explore potential of nuclear powered container-shipping
Danish Shipping Group Joins Study on Nuclear-Powered Container Ships
A leading Danish shipping company has agreed to participate in a study exploring the use of nuclear power for container shipping in Europe. This initiative is being conducted in collaboration with maritime services provider Lloyd’s Register (LR) and UK-based shipping technology firm Core Power. The study aims to evaluate the potential of nuclear-powered ships as a low-carbon solution for the maritime industry.
The study will focus on identifying necessary safety measures and regulatory updates for nuclear-powered container ships to operate in European ports. It will also assess the frameworks that need to be established to support this technology. Additionally, the study will investigate the operational requirements for fitting small, mass-produced reactors onto container ships, with the goal of sharing insights with the broader maritime industry.
Danish Shipping is ready, willing, and able to contribute to the EU’s 2050 climate goals
Recent reports indicate that shipping contributes approximately 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure that could rise significantly by 2050 if no action is taken. While various low and zero-emission fuels are under development, nuclear power is being considered as a potential solution, though it remains a decade away from widespread commercial use.
The CEO of Lloyd’s Register, Nick Brown, emphasized the importance of this study, noting that nuclear power could play a key role in the maritime industry’s transition to low-carbon operations. Core Power’s CEO, Mikal Bøe, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for a standards framework to ensure the safe and insurable use of nuclear power in shipping.
Maersk, one of the largest shipping companies involved in the study, has identified fuel as its biggest source of emissions. The company’s head of fleet technology, Ole Graa Jakobsen, acknowledged the challenges associated with nuclear power but expressed optimism that it could become a viable low-carbon solution in the future.
