ABB and Blykalla Partner on Nuclear Power for Maritime Industry

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ABB has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Swedish nuclear developer Blykalla to advance the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the maritime sector. The agreement, signed on September 10 in Stockholm, aims to accelerate the deployment of lead-cooled SMRs as shipboard power solutions.

This new MoU builds on an existing agreement from October 2024, when ABB and Blykalla joined forces to develop SMRs to support Sweden’s clean energy needs. The latest step extends that partnership into shipping, reflecting a broader industry push toward nuclear propulsion as a means to decarbonize ocean transport.

Momentum for such initiatives has been rising. In June, the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 1102) endorsed changes to the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships, updating standards to include advances such as SMRs. The revisions open the door for their application in large vessels.

At the center of the collaboration is Blykalla’s Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER). Compact at 55 MWe, the design is based on more than two decades of research and is built with passive safety features that reduce the need for operator intervention. The SEALER was one of three designs reviewed under the NuProShip I project, which explored adapting Generation IV SMRs for maritime use.

ABB brings expertise in power distribution, control, automation, and system integration. Its role will focus on ensuring the technical viability of deploying such reactors at sea, where reliability and safety requirements remain stringent.

“We’re pleased to extend our partnership with ABB into this strategically important vertical. With our compact reactor design, we see a unique opportunity to lead the way in maritime nuclear propulsion,” said Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla. He emphasized the need for an ecosystem of partners to turn nuclear propulsion into a workable solution for shipping.

Juha Koskela, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, noted, “SMRs hold significant potential to drive decarbonization, and our collaboration with Blykalla will help to advance their viability in maritime applications.” He added that next-generation reactors could support new ship designs and reduce emissions from traditional fuel-based propulsion.

Blykalla is already supported by partners such as Uniper, OKG, the Royal Institute of Technology, and ABB. With strong financial and technical backing, the company aims to deliver Europe’s first advanced SMR, with applications ranging from powering AI-driven industries to serving as a maritime propulsion source.