Danish shipping giant Maersk has taken a significant step forward in exploring nuclear power as a potential solution for decarbonizing container shipping. The company announced that it will participate in a study alongside Lloyd’s Register (LR) and UK-based Core Power to evaluate the feasibility of nuclear-powered container vessels in Europe.
As the maritime industry grapples with the challenge of reducing carbon emissions, the idea of using nuclear energy has gained renewed interest. With approximately 90% of global trade transported by sea, shipping is responsible for nearly 3% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. This has led to mounting pressure from both investors and environmentalists for the industry to adopt cleaner fuel alternatives.
The study will focus on the regulatory and operational frameworks necessary to deploy small, mass-produced nuclear reactors onboard container ships. These fourth-generation reactors, which are envisioned for maritime use, are designed to be less powerful and consume less nuclear fuel compared to traditional land-based reactors. However, the challenges associated with nuclear energy, such as safety concerns, waste management, and regional regulatory acceptance, remain significant obstacles.
Ole Graa Jakobsen, Maersk’s head of fleet technology, acknowledged these challenges, stating, “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.” However, he also highlighted the potential of nuclear power, noting that “if these challenges can be addressed by the 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.”
The industry has been slow to embrace nuclear technology due to these complexities, but recent advancements and increasing environmental pressures have brought the idea back into the spotlight. A survey conducted by the International Chamber of Shipping in May 2023 indicated a growing interest in nuclear fuel, with some experts predicting that nuclear-powered commercial ships could become viable within the next decade.
As Maersk, LR, and Core Power embark on this study, the results could pave the way for a new era in maritime shipping, one where nuclear power plays a pivotal role in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
Source:Reuters
