The American Trump administration has launched a new initiative to pave the way for the use of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in commercial shipping.
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has been asked to solicit input from the industry on how the technology can be deployed on a larger scale.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy states, according to Splash, that the focus is on making nuclear-powered propulsion commercially viable – including design, costs, regulation, and port access.
The initiative aims, among other things, to increase ships’ range and speed, reduce fuel costs, and strengthen American energy independence. At the same time, it will examine how SMR technology can be integrated into U.S. shipyards, and what requirements should apply for safety, insurance, and inspection.
According to MARAD chief Stephen Carmel, the introduction of nuclear power requires major systemic changes. The agency will therefore work closely with, among others, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy.
Workshops and hearings are also planned to clarify the framework for a possible future with nuclear-powered merchant ships.
Development is already underway in South Korea, where HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) is working to develop the world’s first nuclear-powered container ship, which can both sail faster and carry more cargo than traditional ships.
Also, the state-owned Chinese shipyard Jiangnan Shipyard has presented a design for a 24,000 TEU container ship to be powered by a so-called “molten salt” reactor.
-emte
