At a European level, nuclear energy has been identified as a sustainable source of energy able to assist in meeting the zero-emission goal of the EU. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has conducted a study looking into the state of the technology and its challenges.
The European Union with the adoption of the European Green Deal has signalled its engagement towards becoming a carbon free economy. In this context, EMSA is supporting the maritime stakeholders by providing technologically neutral studies on potential alternative fuels and power solutions for shipping.
The EMSA report “Potential use of nuclear power for shipping” is the last one of a series of studies produced in 2022, 2023 and 2024 covering the Potential use of Biofuels, Potential of Ammonia as fuel and Potential of Hydrogen as fuel, Synthetic fuels and Potential of Wind-Assisted propulsion for shipping.
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Nuclear as sustainable source of energy
Until now nuclear power has been used for ships mainly for military purposes and for the propulsion of icebreakers in the Arctic. However, at European level, nuclear energy has been identified as a sustainable source of energy able to assist in meeting the zero-emission goal of the EU and therefore is eligible to green sustainable financing.
Nuclear power has zero-emission during operation and low carbon during its lifecycle and research is ongoing. New applications are being studied to explore the feasibility of introducing nuclear reactors in shipping. Therefore, nuclear power for shipping seems a pathway that could be explored to contribute to the decarbonisation of the sector, but it presents a series of challenges that will need first to be addressed in relation to production, safety, security, training and also liability and insurance regime.
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Nuclear technology
According to EMSA, expanding nuclear reactors in merchant shipping requires the right technology available in the near future and global collaboration. The Generation IV International Forum (GIF) is advancing new reactor concepts aimed at safer, sustainable, low-waste, and proliferation-resistant solutions.
These so-called “Generation IV” reactors offer the potential for efficient operation, as well as compact and reliable power for merchant vessels. Their benefits (higher energy output, greater fuel longevity and potentially smaller reactor footprints) could represent a technical solution for maritime power systems, reports EMSA.
Among these, very high-temperature reactors (VHTRs) and molten salt reactors (MSRs) are more suitable for marine use, given their high efficiency, load-following capabilities, and waste management advantages. Lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs), while valuable for niche applications or potentially specialised military vessels, may face challenges due to heavy shielding requirements.
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Availability of fuel
The suitability of reactors for merchant vessels depends on the availability and cost of fissile material. Designs using diverse a range of fissile materials offer flexibility, reducing supply chain risks and ensuring stable, long-term options for nuclear-powered shipping.
Nuclear-powered vessels can adapt to stricter emission regulations with ease, thanks to long refuelling intervals and near-zero tank-to-wake emissions. Their extended range makes them ideal for deep-sea shipping.
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Total cost of ownership
Techno-economic analyses of new fuels, especially nuclear, face uncertainties due to evolving research, policies, and limited data. Initial studies show the total cost of ownership (TCO) for nuclear- and VLSFO-fuelled ships is comparable early on. However, rising carbon and fuel costs could make VLSFO less competitive over time, increasing the gap in OPEX between the two options, reveals the EMSA report.
Nuclear-powered ships may have higher upfront CAPEX, but could achieve lower OPEX over time, as rising oil and carbon costs widen the gap. Advanced reactor designs, such as MSRs, provide stable fuel costs and long refuelling intervals, making them financially suited to the demands of merchant shipping.
Advancements in nuclear technology could lower the CAPEX of nuclear-powered ships, boosting their investment appeal. Growing emphasis on GHG reduction and carbon taxes further strengthens investor interest.
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Regulations
EMSA also finds a substantial amount of regulatory work would be required to facilitate the adoption of nuclear power on merchant vessels. It may require the modernisation of regulatory frameworks to promote safety, environmental protection, technology integration and a comprehensive liability regime. While nuclear power could offer key benefits in meeting emission-reduction goals, not every nation is equally accepting this infrastructure.
In countries with a low tolerance for nuclear applications, addressing the public perception surrounding nuclear power is expected to be paramount to the technology’s trajectory for marine use.
Creating and updating regulations would need to include an active “partnership” of industry and national and international regulatory authorities as well as classification societies in their technical supporting role for the definition of standards by the regulators at an international and European level and in conducting risk assessments in the case of novel technologies and arrangements.
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Vessel analyses
There is lack of updated analyses of the risks and adequacy of the existing regulatory framework in relation to nuclear-powered ships. In order to identify these risks and potential gap, the EMSA study assesses several potential designs for nuclear-powered vessels from the risk and safety perspectives. Three vessel types have been analysed:
- Cruise ship with lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR)
- Bulk carrier with VHTR/high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR)
- Container ship with VHTR/HTGR
The analyses highlighted a list of major concerns related to: radiation leaks and control; flooding, vessels sinking, capsizing; collision; grounding; manning and training; technology licences; compliance with non-proliferation treaty requirements; external risk (such as piracy, hijacking, terrorist attacks, etc.); shipyard licencing and technical capabilities; marine load variation and impact on nuclear reactor, material issue and regulatory requirements. These issues require further detailed studies to better understand the risks and additional safeguards that will be needed to mitigate the major hazards.
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Safeguards and recommendations
The Hazard Identification (HAZID) studies identified preventive and mitigative safeguards and recommendations for the vessel types that were studied. Not all safeguards and recommendations listed in present HAZID registers will apply to all the vessel types and need to be carefully considered. However, they are all listed and may help to inform safer designs and arrangements and the development of more specific, prescriptive requirements.
Importantly, the additional safeguards and recommendations will contribute to further risk reduction. Based on this study and the risk assessments conducted, several key recommendations have emerged and need to be addressed when designing the needed regulatory framework. All risks must be thoroughly identified and addressed, including qualitative and quantitative risk assessments, minimising potential human error to the greatest extent possible, developing robust risk management plans, and ensuring safe operations.
Additionally, the protection of nuclear reactors against external marine risks, such as grounding, collision, submergence, capsizing, and cargo fires, requires further study and appropriate regulation. Comprehensive studies are also essential to evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental impacts of nuclear power on merchant shipping, with a focus on safety, long-term fuel management, and risks associated with both routine operations and emergency scenarios.
Concerted action can make nuclear power a viable solution
EMSA concludes that by taking concerted action across the different areas and setting an appropriate holistic international legal framework, the maritime industry and regulatory bodies can address both technical and societal challenges, enabling nuclear power to become a viable, sustainable solution in merchant shipping.
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