The Future of Nuclear Propulsion in Maritime Shipping

Three different nuclear reactor concepts within the Generation IV domain are being studied as part of the Norwegian Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping (NuProShip) project which explores nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.

The project gathers shipbuilder VARD, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Ålesund, class society DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, shipowner Knutsen Tankers, and the Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM.

As explained, the ultimate purpose of the research program is to develop a commercially viable zero-emission technology for deep sea ships.

Exploring Promising Reactor Types

Within the project, an extensive assessment of 99 companies developing advanced reactor technologies led to the selection of three ‘promising’ reactor types:

• Kairos Power (USA): Fluoride high-temperature molten salt reactor using TRISO fuel particles, designed for robust and efficient operation.
• Ultrasafe (USA): Helium-cooled gas reactor, also employing TRISO fuel particles, known for their resilience and safety in extreme conditions.
• Blykalla (Sweden): Lead-cooled reactor concept utilizing uranium oxide as fuel, offering high efficiency with advanced cooling mechanisms.

TRISO fuel particles, noted for their durability and containment properties, play a crucial role in two of these reactor types. TRISO technology, in fact, is renowned as one of the most resilient nuclear fuel types available today.

The Future Roadmap

NuProShip I, which concluded on December 31, 2024, will transition into the NuProShip II project, a two-year initiative to further refine solutions for nuclear propulsion in maritime applications with the intent of developing a workable prototype. Finally, in NuProShip III, the prototype solution will be tested.

This second phase will expand the consortium to include insurance companies, a critical step for evaluating the business viability of nuclear technology in the shipping industry.

The NuProShip projects are funded by the Research Council of Norway, underscoring Norway’s commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions in maritime propulsion technology.

Potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Last year, the UK-based class society Lloyd’s Register released a report which found that the rise of small modular reactors (SMRs) points to a step change for nuclear applications in shipping if regulatory hurdles can be overcome.

The report assesses the opportunity presented by nuclear for commercial maritime given its proven track record in naval applications, with the study pointing to the role of new SMRs in bringing to market suitable low-maintenance reactors to meet the propulsion and energy requirements of commercial ships.