Unleashing the Atom:

The maritime industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact as global concerns about climate change and greenhouse gas emissions grow. Nuclear-powered ships have emerged as potential game-changers, offering unmatched power generation and emissions reduction capabilities. In this article, we will explore the benefits, risks, usage statistics, environmental viability, and feasibility of nuclear energy in commercial vessels. Could nuclear power be the compass guiding the maritime industry towards a greener, more sustainable future?

Nuclear reactors provide remarkable power density, producing a continuous stream of electricity to power ships and onboard systems, extending operational ranges, and reducing downtime. The absence of direct carbon dioxide emissions makes nuclear-powered vessels an enticing option for sustainable shipping. Several countries' naval fleets worldwide have successfully integrated nuclear energy. The United States Navy operates nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines, while other countries like France, Russia, China, and the United Kingdom have nuclear-powered vessels for military purposes. The total number of nuclear-powered ships worldwide is estimated to be about 150, with the USA, Russia, China, UK, France, and India possessing the majority of them. This extensive application demonstrates the reliability and effectiveness of nuclear power in naval fleets.

Nuclear energy in maritime vessels holds promise as an environmentally viable option due to its lack of carbon emissions during operation. Nuclear-powered ships have been cleanly propelling military vessels for more than 60 years, and new reactor technologies could dramatically scale back the maritime industry's carbon footprint and lower operating costs. With increasing attention given to greenhouse gas emissions arising from burning fossil fuels for shipping, nuclear propulsion emerges as a viable alternative.

While military fleets have embraced nuclear power, its adoption in commercial shipping presents unique challenges. The upfront investment in nuclear reactors may deter commercial shipping companies. Though the initial capital investment is substantial, reduced fuel consumption and stable nuclear fuel prices lead to long-term cost efficiency. The cost considerations for commercial shipping companies arise from the upfront investment in nuclear reactors, which can be daunting for large container and tanker ships requiring up to 50-megawatt systems—enough energy to power around 50,000 homes. However, for the largest container ships, it is estimated that switching from fossil fuels to nuclear power would be cost-effective in the long run due to the incredible energy density of nuclear fuel. Besides savings on fuel, nuclear-powered ships can operate up to 50% faster than similarly sized vessels running on oil engines, translating to an increased number of runs per year and thus increased profits (Dade & Witzig, 2017). Such long-term efficiency gains can more than offset the initial investment costs.

Recently, there have been attempts to revive the idea of employing nuclear vessels for commercial use within the industry. Earlier this year, South Korean industry majors, led by HMM and Sinokor, joined forces to develop nuclear-powered ships and signed an agreement to demonstrate how small modular nuclear reactors can propel ships, with local shipbuilders already working on the technology's development. Meanwhile, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), and Seaborg Technologies have announced a consortium to develop floating nuclear power plants to meet the growing demand for green energy. In another part of the globe, Norwegian shipbuilders and designers Ulstein announced a vessel design concept with Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) and initiated numerous conversations about the future of Thorium as one of the most viable sources of clean energy for deep-sea shipping (Ulstein, 2022). With the pressure to reduce carbon emissions and tight deadlines, more proposals and announcements from the shipping industry are expected to follow in the coming days.

Integrating nuclear energy into vessels presents certain risks and challenges. Rigorous safety protocols, constant monitoring, and highly trained crews are essential to mitigate radiation concerns. The nuclear- powered submarines of the United States Navy alone have accumulated over 6200 reactor-years of accident-free experience involving 526 nuclear reactor cores over the course of 240 million kilometers, without a single radiological incident, over a period of more than 50 years. Yet, early Soviet endeavors with marine nuclear propulsion resulted in a number of serious accidents, raising concerns about nuclear safety. Today, with advancements in safety measures and waste management, safety and reliability have become high priorities in the design and operation of marine Pressurized-Water Reactors (PWRs). Modern nuclear reactor designs, such as Molten-Salt Reactors (MSRs), offer inherent safety advantages over previous Light-Water Reactors (LWRs). MSRs use alternative coolants like liquid lead or molten salt, allowing for smaller reactors with higher output and reduced complexity. The safety record of the US nuclear navy is excellent, attributed to a high level of standardization in naval power plants and maintenance, along with a high quality of training programs. However, addressing public perception is vital for the acceptance and adoption of nuclear-powered vessels. Transparent communication and education are necessary to allay fears and misconceptions about nuclear energy in maritime applications.

In addition to safety measures, the entire nuclear lifecycle, including uranium mining, fuel fabrication, and nuclear waste management, must be evaluated for overall environmental sustainability. Proper nuclear waste management is crucial to prevent potential environmental impact. The costs and methods associated with nuclear waste management remain a concern, but many countries require operators of nuclear power plants to set aside funding to cover all costs. In the United States, for instance, operators of commercial nuclear power plants pay a fee to the Nuclear Waste Fund to finance the management and disposal of nuclear waste. Public acceptance and stringent international regulations must be addressed to ensure safe and secure operation. Implementing stringent safety protocols, comprehensive training, and emergency response preparedness are critical for commercial vessel safety.

Past attempts to use nuclear-powered merchant ships, such as the NS Savannah, faced economic challenges and limited freight carrying capacity compared to traditional vessels. However, advancements in reactor designs, safety, and digital technologies offer new possibilities for nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping. Modern nuclear reactor designs, such as Molten-Salt Reactors (MSRs), offer inherent safety advantages over previous Light-Water Reactors (LWRs). MSRs use alternative coolants like liquid lead or molten salt, allowing for smaller reactors with higher output and reduced complexity. Remote operation technologies enable effective control centers on land to handle multiple ships, simplifying crew recruitment.

Despite technological advancements, nuclear-powered commercial ships face regulatory challenges concerning safety responsibility and global operation. IMO legislation for nuclear-powered ships already exists - Chapter VIII of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 provides basic requirements for nuclear-powered ships that are particularly concerned with radiation hazards. This set of rules refers to a comprehensive Code of Safety for nuclear merchant ships, adopted in 1981. However, it would have to be updated to reflect new technologies and to establish comprehensive regulatory frameworks for widespread nuclear-powered commercial shipping.

The integration of nuclear energy in maritime vessels holds the promise of a greener and more sustainable future for the shipping industry. Unmatched power generation, emissions reduction, increased speed and cost efficiency make nuclear-powered ships a beacon of hope for the quest to combat climate change. While challenges exist, continued advancements and collaboration among stakeholders can propel the maritime industry toward a cleaner horizon. As nuclear-powered ships set sail on this promising frontier, the journey to harnessing the atom promises to pioneer the waves of change toward a more environmentally friendly and efficient maritime industry. With the potential to revolutionize shipping and contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear-powered vessels, along with other alternative fuel options, might be the compass guiding the maritime industry toward a greener, more sustainable future.