ABS assesses nuclear technology for commercial ships

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has signed a contract with ABS for research into the possible application of advanced nuclear reactor technologies in commercial shipping. The USD 800,000 research project was awarded through the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy.

Separately, the DOE has also contracted ABS to support research into molten salt reactor nuclear technology currently under way at the University of Texas.

“Modern nuclear technologies are increasingly suggested as a potential solution to shipping’s decarbonisation challenge,” said ABS senior vice president, Global Engineering and Technology, Patrick Ryan. “The technology certainly has potential both in terms of its contribution to emissions reduction and for US shipyards and their supply chains to leverage national investment in terrestrial nuclear energy development. Nevertheless, many questions need to be answered and it is critical the industry is able to evaluate these technologies with a laser focus on safety.”

The world’s first nuclear commercial ship, NS Savannah, was built to ABS rules and completed in 1959.