LR and Deployable Energy to explore the use of advanced micro-nuclear reactors in powering ships
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is working with Deployable Energy, a Houston, TX based nuclear technology company, to advance the safe use of micro-nuclear reactor technology to power ships.
LR Advisory has been guiding the development of Deployable Energy’s Unity Nuclear Battery, a compact, factory-built micro-reactor designed to deliver safe, zero-emission power, for a wide range of applications. By replacing traditional marine fuels, the technology has the potential to reduce emissions, increase vessel efficiency and extend time at sea without refuelling.
A recent technical workshop led by LR brought together experts from across its classification, safety assurance and advisory teams to assess the steps needed to align Unity with international safety standards and regulatory expectations. The discussions focused on the critical safety case and licensing requirements that will underpin regulatory approval for nuclear propulsion on vessels.
Early collaboration with LR ensures that safety, integration and regulatory challenges are addressed from the outset, establishing a clear pathway to approval and accelerating the route to commercial deployment. LR Advisory’s involvement makes sure regulatory, safety and integration challenges are addressed from the outset, creating a pathway to certification and accelerating the route to commercial deployment.
Mark Tipping, LR’s Global Power to X Director, said: “Deployable Energy’s technology is designed with a focus on practicality, using Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel, industry proven materials, and a factory-built, modular approach. These features directly address key barriers to adoption and align with the safety and reliability expectations of classification and regulatory frameworks. Our LR Advisory team works closely with Deployable Energy to ensure these innovations translate into a robust, certifiable solution for the maritime industry.”
Bobby Gallagher, CEO at Deployable Energy, said: “We are excited to be working with Lloyd’s Register in the development of future capabilities of nuclear-powered ships. Their wealth of experience and desire to continue innovating provide an unmatched foundation as we move toward certifying practical, zero-emission nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.”
Deployable Energy and LR will continue to refine safety case development, risk assessments and qualification milestones to prepare for pilot maritime deployments later this decade.
About Lloyd’s Register
Trusted maritime and energy sector advisors, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine and offshore engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set 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 advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.
Our digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.
In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and 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.
For more information, go to www.lr.org
About Deployable Energy
Deployable Energy is developing advanced micro-reactors to provide clean, secure, and resilient power for maritime, industrial, and remote applications. Its flagship Unity Nuclear Battery is designed for factory manufacture, rapid deployment, and regulatory compliance across global markets.
