ABS Unveils Industry's First Comprehensive Rules For Floating Nuclear Power Plants

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued the first comprehensive rules regulating floating nuclear power facilities.

The guidelines were unveiled during a high-profile joint forum with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) at ABS’ global headquarters in Texas. The event attracted nuclear industry leaders and offshore experts.

ABS and Herbert Engineering presented a complete research on the design, operation, and emissions of floating nuclear power plants.

Leaders from major nuclear technology companies exhibited some of the latest developments in reactor systems.

ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki discussed the revolutionary power of nuclear energy in maritime applications.

He said that nuclear power is much more than just a reactor on a ship, highlighting its ability to connect energy demands across several sectors, from electric grids to shipping, while also helping to decarbonize the maritime industry.

Wiernicki also discussed nuclear’s potential for clean fuel production, like e-ammonia and e-hydrogen.

The recently released ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications provide the first classification notation for nuclear-powered assets like floating power plants and production, offloading, and storage facilities.

These regulations are designed to accommodate any type of reactor technology and provide a framework for collaboration among nuclear regulators, Flag administrations, and ABS to ensure complete regulatory oversight.

The forum also addressed the changing regulatory landscape for nuclear power and included seminars to better understand the challenges of floating nuclear power technology in offshore locations.

Offshore industry leaders discussed their specific requirements and the challenges the technology must overcome before it can be widely adopted.

Brad Tomer, COO of the National Reactor Innovation Center at INL, is optimistic about the future of nuclear energy, citing collaboration with ABS and industry partners as crucial to advancing reactor technology and providing reliable, low-carbon energy solutions.

ABS is leading efforts to integrate nuclear technology into commercial maritime applications by partnering with the US Department of Energy and conducting numerous initiatives focused on new technology qualifications and approvals.

Reference: ABS

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