The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have made an agreement to promote the use of nuclear energy in commercial shipping. This includes plans for nuclear-powered vessels, floating power plants, and the necessary support infrastructure.
The memorandum of understanding, signed with the DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy, sets up a framework for collaboration on advanced nuclear technologies and their potential uses in maritime settings. The focus will also be on what is needed to develop a U.S. shipbuilding industry that can build, operate, and maintain nuclear-powered ships and offshore facilities.
As part of the agreement, ABS and DOE will conduct studies on the concepts and feasibility of floating nuclear power systems and nuclear transportation routes. They will also tackle technical, regulatory, economic, and policy issues that have limited the commercial use of nuclear technology at sea.
“Advanced nuclear technology is transitioning from a concept to real-world application, and the maritime industry must be prepared,” stated ABS Chairman and CEO John McDonald.
“This partnership with DOE shows the depth of work already in progress and gives us a way to go even further,” McDonald added.
ABS will also help manage the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group (MNAG) and coordinate related efforts through the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Center for Maritime Innovation, where ABS acts as the secretariat.
The agreement comes at a time when there is growing interest in commercial maritime nuclear power, thanks to advancements in smaller reactor designs that could make nuclear propulsion and floating power generation more feasible.
While nuclear propulsion has been used in naval ships for many years, its application in commercial settings is still limited. There are many unresolved issues regarding reactor licensing, port access, liability, crew training, and regulatory responsibilities for both flag and coastal states.
The U.S. government is actively working to address these challenges. In August, the Department of Energy hosted the launch of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative, which aims to create an international framework for the safe and secure use of nuclear technology on ships and floating facilities.
ABS has also been enhancing its involvement in this area. The organization has published guidelines for floating nuclear power plants and has given approvals in principle for multiple nuclear-powered vessel concepts, including a cargo ship propulsion system developed by an MIT-led maritime consortium.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation brought together industry and government leaders to discuss regulatory challenges related to the deployment of nuclear-powered ships and offshore energy platforms.
“Advanced nuclear technology could change the commercial maritime industry and create new markets for American innovation,” said Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish.
Garrish noted that the partnership aims to utilize decades of U.S. nuclear experience to explore how next-generation reactors can be safely integrated into commercial maritime operations.
This new agreement does not specify any particular vessel construction projects or timelines. Instead, it enhances the collaboration between the federal government and ABS as the industry aims to establish commercial nuclear power at sea as both technically and economically feasible.