According to foreign media reports, Seaspan has commissioned a cost-benefit analysis to study the feasibility of using small modular nuclear reactors in the container shipping sector.
This analysis report points out that by using small modular nuclear reactors to power oceangoing vessels, ship operators could save an estimated $68 million annually in fuel costs and carbon penalties. Operationally, a 15,000 TEU container ship using small modular nuclear reactors instead of traditional fuel could sail at 25 knots (approximately 40% faster than conventionally powered ships) and complete more than six round trips per year, compared to only five for ships using traditional fuel. The increased number of voyages and the space savings (about 5%) from using small modular nuclear reactors would increase the total annual cargo transport volume by approximately 38%. The report also outlines best practices for building a competitive supply chain, as well as innovative small modular nuclear reactor and fuel leasing financial models, aimed at enabling shipowners and operators to manage upfront costs while maintaining ship safety and compliance.
In fact, as early as December 2023, Jiangnan Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. released the design for the world’s first nuclear-powered 24,000 TEU container ship, the “KUN-24AP”. This ship type’s main dimensions are suitable for shipowners’ operational scenarios, and compared to traditional ship types, the power system layout is more compact, providing more container slots. It adopts a forward superstructure scheme, with the nuclear power compartment located amidships, which both increases container capacity and improves comfort and safety. The propulsion system uses dual motors, dual shafts, dual propellers, and dual rudders, offering high installed power, high speed, and good maneuverability. The main power supply utilizes supercritical carbon dioxide generator sets, and the nuclear power system adopts a compact modular design with high power system efficiency.
Image /Jiangnan Shipbuilding
This year, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) also showcased its 15,000 TEU container ship design based on small modular nuclear reactor technology, which has already received an AIP certificate. This design aims to advance the shipping industry’s carbon neutrality goals through nuclear propulsion systems while providing more efficient energy utilization. HD KSOE stated that container ships using nuclear power technology do not require traditional engine exhaust systems or fuel tanks, allowing the hull space to be used more efficiently and carry more cargo. HD KSOE also employs a supercritical carbon dioxide propulsion system to improve thermal efficiency. It is reported that HD KSOE also plans to establish a maritime nuclear energy demonstration facility at its future technology test center.
Image /HD KSOE
Not long ago, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Samsung Heavy Industries announced that the conceptual design for the world’s first 174,000 cubic meter liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier powered by a small modular molten salt reactor, jointly developed by the two parties, will receive an Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate from a classification society.
Image /Samsung Heavy Industries
The joint development project agreement signed by Maersk with the UK maritime and technology innovation company Core Power and a classification society aims to identify the safety and regulatory considerations for potential next-generation nuclear-powered feeder container ships operating cargo in European ports. This study will assess the need for updates to existing safety rules and gain a deep understanding of the potential improvements in the operation and regulation of nuclear power in container shipping. Maersk stated that if these challenges can be addressed by developing new fourth-generation reactor designs, nuclear power could mature within the next 10-15 years as another possible decarbonization pathway for the logistics industry. Core Power, which is committed to developing the nuclear energy market and providing reactor solutions for heavy industry and the transport sector, had previously revealed a conceptual design for a nuclear-powered 2,800 TEU container ship using a molten salt reactor.
Image /Core Power
