Experts in Norway are exploring the potential of nuclear reactors to power commercial ships, aiming to reduce emissions and create a sustainable maritime future.
The future of shipping sails through Norwegian waters as experts test the viability of cutting-edge nuclear reactors for maritime operations. Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has partnered with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Ålesund and other key stakeholders to explore the potential of nuclear propulsion.
This initiative evaluates the feasibility of using fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies in commercial shipping, offering a potential zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels. The International Maritime Organization projects that shipping emissions could rise by as much as 50% by mid-century without stringent measures. With the NuProShip, Vard seeks to address this challenge and promote sustainable maritime operations. This project involved an extensive assessment of 99 companies that develop advanced reactor technologies. This eventually led to the selection of three promising reactor types: 1) a type notable for its use of TRISO fuel particles, which are known for their high resilience and containment capabilities, making the reactor highly efficient for maritime applications; 2) a type that leverages helium cooling, which enhances thermal efficiency and offers negative temperature coefficients, reducing the risk of overheating and ensuring a safer operation under extreme maritime conditions; 3) Blykalla’s innovative approach features a lead-cooled fast reactor using uranium oxide fuel. This technology provides high efficiency and advanced cooling mechanisms through lead or lead-bismuth eutectic, which serves as a coolant, offering significant safety advantages and the capability of operating at higher temperatures. Vard’s role extends to integrating these reactor systems into various vessel types while facing the technical challenges of retrofitting in maritime settings. This work is supported by a consortium that includes DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, shipowner Knutsen Group, and Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM
NUCLEAR POWER SHIPPING SUSTAINABILITY MARITIME INNOVATION
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