Nuclear-Powered LNG Carriers Promise Faster & Emission-Free Future For Shipping

ABS has released a new study exploring into the possibility of nuclear technology to power LNG carriers.

The study, done in collaboration with Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC), focuses on a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) suitable for a 145,000m³ LNG carrier, evaluating the benefits of nuclear propulsion in design, safety, and efficiency.

The findings show that using HTGR technology could allow for faster transit times while completely reducing vessel emissions.

The study, which delves into heat and energy management, weight distribution, shielding, and structural modifications, reveals how an HTGR-powered LNG carrier would require no refueling for about six years.

ABS considers using land-based nuclear technology for maritime purposes as a unique strategy to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.

ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Patrick Ryan said that, while still in its early phases, nuclear technology holds major potential for maritime applications, providing key advantages to address shipping’s emission reduction targets.

In this design model, HTGR reactors would be positioned at the vessel’s stern, while batteries would take up space near the existing fuel tank sections, necessitating hull modifications.

Nuclear technology is expected to be suitable only for larger LNG carriers due to the space required for reactor placement and structural modifications.

The study is part of ABS’s initiative to examine nuclear technology’s viability in maritime applications. This initiative includes recent work on floating nuclear power plant rules, which ABS presented earlier this month at its Texas headquarters.

This forum, co-hosted with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), focused on innovative reactor technology and the regulatory framework for nuclear use at sea.

ABS has been given a contract by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) to identify possible obstacles to the adoption of advanced nuclear technology onboard commercial vessels, in accordance with its commitment to nuclear propulsion advancement.

Reference: ABS

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