LR and CORE POWER to conduct next-generation nuclear container ship regulatory study

Joint regulatory assessment study will determine the safety and regulatory considerations for a potential next-generation nuclear-propelled feeder container ship to undertake cargo operations at a port in Europe.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) and CORE POWER have launched a joint regulatory assessment study to conduct research on the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear container ship using a fourth-generation reactor noted for its high inherent safety to undertake cargo operations at a port in Europe. Following initial planning, the industry leaders, who are joined by A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), have formalised their collaboration through the signing of a joint development project agreement to undertake the study.

The joint study will investigate the requirements for updated safety rules along with the improved operational and regulatory understanding that is needed for the application of nuclear power in container shipping. In addition, this study will provide insight for members of the maritime value chain who are exploring the business case for nuclear power to help shape their fleet strategy towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The study will bring together the expertise of LR as a trusted adviser to the maritime industry, CORE POWER’s experience of developing advanced nuclear energy technology for maritime applications, a leading Port Authority and Maersk’s extensive experience in shipping and logistics.

Nick Brown, CEO, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The initiation of this joint study marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards unlocking the potential of nuclear power in the maritime industry, paving the way for emissions-free operations, more agile service networks and greater efficiency through the supply chain. A multi-fuel pathway to decarbonising the maritime industry is crucial to ensuring we as an industry meet the IMO’s emission reduction targets and nuclear propulsion shows signs of playing a key role in this energy transition.”

Mikal Bøe, CEO, CORE POWER, said: “There’s no net-zero without nuclear. A critical key to unlocking the vast potential for nuclear energy to transform how the maritime sector is powered, is the standards framework for commercial insurability of floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered ships that would operate in nearshore environments, ports, and waterways. We’re immensely pleased to be working with three of Europe’s most respected industry participants to set out the conditions for how this can be achieved.”

Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, A.P. Moller – Maersk, said: “Since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, we have continuously explored diverse low emission energy options for our assets. Nuclear power holds a number of challenges related to for example safety, waste management, and regulatory acceptance across regions, and so far, the downsides have clearly outweighed the benefits of the technology. If these challenges can be addressed by development of the new so-called fourth-generation reactor designs, nuclear power could potentially mature into another possible decarbonization pathway for the logistics industry 10 to 15 years in the future. Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low emission solutions.”

LR has been undertaking research in the potential of nuclear in maritime for many years. Recent publications include Fuel for Thought Nuclear and the latest update of the Zero-Carbon Fuel Monitor.  

LR’s Fuel for Thought: Nuclear report, released July 2024. found that nuclear power has the potential to transform the maritime industry with emissions-free shipping, whilst extending the life cycle of vessels and removing the uncertainty of fuel and refuelling infrastructure development, pointing to the rise of small modular reactors as a step change for nuclear applications in shipping. Regulation and safety considerations were highlighted as issues that must addressed for its widespread commercial adoption. 

In its most recent assessment of nuclear solutions in the Zero Carbon Fuel Monitor, the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub points to an upwards trend in the readiness levels of all nuclear technology types. LR has collaborated with industry stakeholders to build a comprehensive assessment of nuclear fuel production and supply, and the reactor technologies under development for onboard power generation. 

About Lloyd’s Register 

Trusted maritime advisers, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy. 

Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering and technology. With a heritage going back more than 260 years to the establishment of the world’s first marine classification society; improving and setting standards for the safety of ships. 

Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.  

We also provide advice, support and solutions on fleet performance and optimisation, voyage optimisation, enhancing our clients’ digital capability. Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 20,000 vessels.  

In the race to zero emissions, our research, technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.  

Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.

About CORE POWER  

CORE POWER was formed in 2018 to build a market for new nuclear in maritime and deliver marine- appropriate reactor plants for heavy industry and transport. With over 60 key strategic shareholders from the global marine industry, and a fast-growing client base of shipyards, ship operators, trading houses and energy companies, CORE POWER is a leading provider of floating nuclear energy solutions.

CORE POWER actively participates in the work required to modernize marine and nuclear regulations to pave the way for floating nuclear to take its rightful place as a key pillar of sustainable energy security and build a competitive, true -zero- emission power system for the future of global trade. https://corepower.energy