New study investigates nuclear power as clean energy solution for shipping industry

The idea of nuclear-powered container ships is gaining momentum as the global shipping industry seeks sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

As global demand for clean energy rises and nations seek alternatives to fossil fuels, nuclear-powered container ships emerge as a promising solution to cut cargo ship emissions, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

In this evolving sector, three companies have initiated a comprehensive study to evaluate various aspects, including regulatory feasibility and technological viability.

Lloyd’s Register (LR), CORE POWER, and AP Moller – Maersk have teamed up to explore the frameworks required to implement nuclear-powered container ships, utilizing advanced fourth-generation reactors.

Nuclear power in container shipping

The study will evaluate the necessary updates to safety regulations and the enhanced operational and regulatory understanding required for incorporating nuclear power into container shipping.

“Since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, we have been actively exploring a range of low-emission energy options for our fleet,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology at A.P. Moller – Maersk.

Jakobsen acknowledged that while nuclear power presents significant challenges—such as safety concerns, waste management, and regulatory acceptance—the drawbacks have so far overshadowed its potential benefits.

Nuclear power could mature into decarbonization pathway for logistics industry in 10-15 years

He emphasized that if the challenges associated with nuclear power can be overcome through the development of new fourth-generation reactor designs, it could become a viable decarbonization pathway for the logistics industry within the next 10 to 15 years.

“Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low-emission solutions,” Jakobsen added.

The study will leverage the combined expertise of Lloyd’s Register (LR) as a trusted advisor to the maritime industry, CORE POWER’s innovative work in advanced nuclear energy technology for maritime applications, a leading port authority, and Maersk’s extensive experience in shipping and logistics.

Study could unlock potential of nuclear power in maritime industry

“The initiation of this joint study marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards unlocking the potential of nuclear power in the maritime industry,” said Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register. “It paves the way for emissions-free operations, more agile service networks, and greater efficiency throughout the supply chain.”

Brown emphasized that a multi-fuel strategy is essential for achieving the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) emission reduction targets. He added that nuclear propulsion appears to be a promising component of this energy transition.

There’s no net-zero without nuclear power

“There’s no net-zero without nuclear,” stated Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER. Bøe emphasized that the key to unlocking nuclear energy's potential in transforming maritime power lies in establishing a standard framework for the commercial insurability of floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered vessels. These would operate in nearshore environments, ports, and waterways.

“We’re immensely pleased to collaborate with some of Europe’s most esteemed industry players to define the conditions for achieving this,” Bøe added.

Interest in nuclear-powered shipping extends beyond Europe. In China, the state-run Jiangnan Shipyard has designed a 24,000 TEU megamax containership utilizing Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology. Its parent company, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), has promoted this ultra-large nuclear container ship as a viable solution for achieving zero emissions throughout the vessel’s operational cycle, according to Logistics Insider.