Nuclear propulsion seen having potential to play a role in maritime energy transition

According to a new paper by DNV, shifting environmental requirements are reigniting interest in nuclear propulsion as a long-term solution for maritime decarbonisation. This renewed attention comes despite the absence of any civilian commercial nuclear-powered vessel commissions in more than four decades. 

DNV’s latest report, “Maritime nuclear propulsion: Technologies, commercial viability, and regulatory challenges for nuclear-powered vessels,” highlights how maritime nuclear technologies differ from land-based reactors, and emphasises the need to address technological, regulatory and commercial factors in the effort to understand the potential role of nuclear propulsion. 

The paper addresses the main elements of the future maritime fuel cycle – including fuel management, waste handling, vessel construction and operation, and oversight of nuclear supply chains – and presents the reactor technologies most likely to be adopted by shipowners. Advances in automation, digitalisation and modular design are identified as critical enablers of safety, security and non-proliferation of future nuclear fuels and reactors, thereby paving the way for public acceptance. 

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, Maritime CEO at DNV, said: “Nuclear energy has the potential to play a role in the maritime energy transition. However, much work still needs to be done to overcome technical, regulatory and societal challenges, including public perception. This will require coordinated global action, technological innovation and closely aligned regulatory frameworks.”

The white paper stresses the need for a predictable and harmonised regulatory framework at both national and international levels to enable safe nuclear propulsion at sea. Regulators such as the IMO and IAEA, along with flag states, national authorities and classification societies, must play a coordinated role and the report outlines likely regulatory roadmaps for all relevant actors, as the industry develops. 

The success of any future industry will also hinge on robust, cost-effective business models. DNVs report outlines how mass production, standardisation and modularisation can strengthen the business case for nuclear-powered ships. This is further underscored by a case study that shows what cost levels marine nuclear reactors will need to reach for nuclear propulsion to become viable for the merchant fleet, said a release. 

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