Switzerland's ABB and Sweden's Blykalla have joined their forces to develop a small lead-cooled nuclear reactor for maritime use.
A Swiss technology company and a Swedish nuclear energy firm have joined forces to support and accelerate the deployment of small modular lead-cooled nuclear reactor s to redefine the future of clean energy at sea.
Zurich-headquartered ABB and Stockholm-based Blykalla signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the implementation of Generation IV small modular reactors into large maritime vessels.The agreement builds on an existing partnership launched in October 2024, which initially focused on supporting the Scandinavian country’s domestic clean energy goals.The two companies decided to expand their collaboration in response to growing pressure on the shipping industry to decarbonize, driven by its 3 percent share of global greenhouse gas emissions.The IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee approved updates to the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships in June. The decision supports ongoing efforts to establish regulatory pathways for nuclear-powered shipping.Shipping’s nuclear futureBlykalla’s technology, known as the Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor , is a 55 megawatt electrical passively safe, lead-cooled reactor. It operates without the need for active control or external cooling mechanisms.Originally designed for remote and Arctic applications, the SMR was adapted for sea-based deployment as part of the NuProShip I research program. The project’s aim is to develop a commercially viable zero-emission technology for larger deep sea commercial ships.A close-up of the modular lead-cooled nuclear reactor.Credit: BlykallaJacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla, revealed that the firm is pleased to deepen its partnership with ABB in the sector. “With our compact reactor design, we see a unique opportunity to lead the way in maritime nuclear propulsion – a solution well suited to the sector’s demand for clean energy,” he said.The SMR was one of only three selected by NuProShip I for its inherent safety characteristics and compact footprint. Unlike traditional reactors, it uses a lead coolant that enables high thermal efficiency. It additionally eliminates the need for constant operator oversight.“Realizing this vision will require an ecosystem of committed partners, and this collaboration is a critical building block,” Stedman continued. Clean energy at seaKnown for its expertise in system integration, automation, and power distribution, ABB will help adapt the SMR technology to the operational demands of modern ships.This includes integrating the nuclear system with onboard power grids, control systems, and propulsion architectures, ensuring it functions safely and efficiently in dynamic sea environments.“SMRs hold significant potential to drive decarbonization, and our collaboration with Blykalla will help to advance their viability in maritime applications,” Juha Koskela, president of ABB’s marine & ports division, explained.Jacob Stedman, CEO at Blykalla.Credit: BlykallaThe memorandum outlines plans to evaluate integration pathways, conduct joint feasibility assessments, and engage with classification societies and regulators to prepare for deployment.“Next-generation SMRs will enable innovative ship designs that can help to reduce emissions compared to vessels powered by carbon-based fuels,” Koskela concluded in a press release. He said the partnership represents a key milestone in decarbonizing the shipping industry.Backed by Uniper, ABB, OKG, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Blykalla is poised to deliver Europe’s first advanced SMR for reliable, sustainable energy in AI and clean industries.
Decarbonization Energy &Amp Environment Innovation Inventions And Machines Maritime Nuclear Reactor Propulsion System Shipping SMR Sustainability
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