C-Job research supports nuclear for marine propulsion

Netherlands-based ship design firm, C-Job Naval Architects, has concluded that nuclear energy based on molten salt reactor (MSR) technology is a carbon-free technology that should be considered for maritime applications in the future.

The research was carried out by Koen Houtkoop, who has an MSc in Marine Technology from TU Delft, on behalf of C-Job. “Developments in nuclear energy have mostly been focused on land-based applications. However, a number of aspects make them of interest for maritime applications,” he concluded. “Compared with conventional fuel systems, my research showed that there can be up to a 98% reduction in CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the air pollution emissions, such as SOx, PM and NOx, are eliminated completely.”

Large ocean-going ships were likely to offer the greatest potential, the research found. Even accounting for the shield around the low-pressure reactor, this nuclear option is lighter and more compact than conventional marine diesel engines.

Although first costs are high, operational expenses are significantly lower and not subject to fuel price fluctuations. The MSR option should prove to be cost-effective within a five to 15-year period, according to the study, depending on fuel cost and a ship’s operational profile.