ULC-Energy, supported by C-Job Naval Architects, has completed an in-depth study analysing the design and economic implications of using civil nuclear reactor technology to power a Newcastlemax bulk carrier. The study compares this type of vessel to vessels powered by very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) and green ammonia.
ULC-Energy is a nuclear energy development and consultancy company, established in 2021 in the Netherlands and based in Amsterdam. ULC-Energy believes that nuclear energy can deliver unrivalled benefits when it comes to reliability, economics, and environmental footprint of energy production.
The study explores the design impact, greenhouse gas emissions, and commercial performance for each fuel type. Leveraging the expertise of C-Job in naval architecture and alternative fuels along with ULC’s knowledge of advanced reactor technologies and nuclear energy economics, the study offers a thorough analysis of these critical elements.
Also read: LR, Core Power and Maersk look into nuclear container ship propulsion
Lowest operational cost
Specifically, the study provided the following insights:
- The structural and safety modifications needed to integrate a nuclear reactor into a Newcastlemax bulk carrier would have minimal impact on its cargo capacity.
- Nuclear propulsion offers the lowest operational cost per tonne shipped, significantly lower than alternatives like ammonia or VLSFO. While the lower fuel costs of a nuclear-powered ship are partly offset by the higher capital expenditures required to construct the vessel, the study found that a nuclear-powered Newcastlemax bulk carrier could sail longer, faster, and cheaper, all without producing greenhouse gas emissions.
- A nuclear-powered Newcastlemax has nearly zero greenhouse gas emissions, lower even than a ship powered by green ammonia, demonstrating the potential of nuclear propulsion to support the shipping industry’s decarbonisation goals.
Also read: Nuclear ships: Long-lasting, reliable and emissions-free
Integrating nuclear technologies
‘This latest study from ULC-Energy furthers our mission to deliver unique, fundamentals-based analysis on the integration of nuclear technologies into various industries,’ says Dirk Rabelink, CEO of ULC-Energy.
Niels De Vries, head of Energy at C-Job, adds: ‘The study is another remarkable milestone for the adoption of nuclear power in marine vessels. It shows how C-Job can work in a flexible manner with its clients and combine knowledge in designs that create significant value. Furthermore, it is another great example of the capability of C-Job with system integration and risk-based design to ultimately make shipping more sustainable.’
Also read: C-Job: Ships could sail on nuclear power in the future
Challenges to overcome
The study acknowledged that civil nuclear maritime propulsion faces licensing, operational, and other challenges. Given that most nuclear reactor designs being considered for maritime use are still in the conceptual phase, current estimates for the capital costs of such ships are limited; however, accuracy will improve as projects mature.
Also read: Rotterdam Port prefers SMRs over nuclear power plant
