Mining giant BHP has become the latest big name to study the potential for nuclear to power ships.
The Australian headquartered company tapped Dutch consultants ULC-Energy to compare key characteristics of various civil reactor designs against the requirements for the potential use in commercial maritime shipping as well as evaluating a range of regulatory, operational, and commercial challenges such as port access, licensing and vessel classification, capital costs, and crew training and certification.
“Cost-effective and reliable international shipping services are a crucial component of global economic activity. Civil nuclear solutions have the potential to be a reliable and cost-effective alternative to other marine fuel options. However, it’s not straightforward nor easy – and it will require a range of stakeholders to cooperate to make civil nuclear marine solutions possible.” said Dirk Rabelink, CEO of ULC-Energy.
“BHP values the importance of partnerships in identifying a range of pathways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime sector. We welcomed the opportunity to support this study by ULC-Energy to explore yet another potential alternative,” said Rashpal Bhatti, vice president of maritime and supply chain excellence at BHP.
Nuclear propulsion at sea developments are happening thick and fast. Earlier this month, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), a sub-holdings company of HD Hyundai, South Korea’s largest shipbuilder, held a joint research and technology exchange meeting with TerraPower and CORE POWER with plans unveiled to develop small modular nuclear reactors for use on newbuilds.
Late last year, Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Maritime partnered with classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) and KSOE and South Korea’s top utility firm to develop nuclear-propelled ship designs.
A recent survey carried by the International Chamber of Shipping showed 9% of its C-suite members expect nuclear ships within a decade.