A new DNV paper highlights renewed interest in nuclear propulsion for maritime decarbonisation, despite no civilian commercial nuclear-powered vessels being commissioned in over four decades.
The report, “Maritime Nuclear Propulsion: Technologies, Commercial Viability, and Regulatory Challenges for Nuclear-Powered Vessels,” discusses the differences between maritime and land-based nuclear technologies, as well as the need to address technological, regulatory, and commercial factors. It covers future maritime fuel cycle elements, including fuel management, waste handling, vessel construction, and nuclear supply chain oversight. Advances in automation, digitalization, and modular design are seen as critical for safety, security, and public acceptance.
Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, Maritime CEO at DNV (pictured), emphasises the potential role of nuclear energy in the maritime energy transition but notes the need for coordinated global action, technological innovation, and aligned regulatory frameworks. The paper stresses the importance of a predictable and harmonized regulatory framework at national and international levels, with coordinated roles for regulators like the IMO and IAEA.
The report also outlines how mass production, standardisation, and modularisation can strengthen the business case for nuclear-powered ships, supported by a case study on cost levels for marine nuclear reactors. Ole Christen Reistad, Senior Principal Researcher at DNV, highlights the need for the business case to account for full lifecycle costs and the importance of robust regulatory frameworks and predictable supply chains for investor confidence and competitiveness.
www.dnv.com/maritime
