Maritime nuclear propulsion – Technologies, commercial viability, and regulatory challenges for nuclear-powered vessels
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As the maritime industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, nuclear energy is gaining renewed attention as a viable solution for both power generation and propulsion at sea. DNV’s white paper explores the opportunities, challenges, and pathways for integrating nuclear technology into commercial shipping.
Key highlights:
Maritime nuclear fuel cycle: The white paper explores every stage from uranium mining and enrichment to fuel fabrication, operation, and eventual disposal or reprocessing of spent fuel.
Technological advancements key to the advancement of maritime nuclear propulsion: This includes a revolution in digitalization, specifically automation and communication, which are driving increased safety, greater levels of public acceptance, and reduced costs.
Nuclear cost and business models: This includes total costs of ownership and supply chain management, which vary between regions, includes key factors such as nuclear reactor costs and specialized crew and personnel.
Design and Technology: The paper examines the latest developments in small modular reactors (SMRs), modular and standardized designs, and the uncertainty surrounding future design features for maritime nuclear installations. It assesses which technologies are best suited for a future commercial nuclear fleet, focusing on efficiency, safety, and security.
Regulatory Landscape: A modern, predictable, and internationally accepted regulatory framework is crucial for the adoption of nuclear shipping, along with the need for clear guidelines on fuel management, construction, and operation. The roles of the IMO, IAEA, classification societies, and other key actors are explored, with future regulatory roadmaps presented.
For nuclear propulsion to become commercially viable in shipping, the business case must account for the full lifecycle costs, including fuel supply, reactor maintenance, and waste management.
