Hornbeck Offshore Services has partnered with Deployable Energy, a developer of nuclear technology, to explore the potential of using compact nuclear reactors on ships and other offshore facilities, such as floating data centers and power barges.
The two companies announced on Monday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to look into deploying Deployable Energy's Unity Nuclear Battery in various maritime markets. Hornbeck has also made a strategic investment in the Houston-based company, although the financial details were not shared.
This partnership combines the portable microreactor technology of Deployable Energy with Hornbeck’s experience in operating offshore vessels. Possible uses include inland waterways, offshore vessels and platforms, defense logistics, autonomous ships, power barges, and floating data centers.
A joint working group will focus on integrating the technology into vessels while evaluating economics, licensing, financing, and commercial structures, with an initial emphasis on applications in the U.S. They aim for a reduction of at least 20% in total ownership costs compared to traditional marine diesel or grid power alternatives.
Deployable Energy's Unity Nuclear Battery is a 1-megawatt-electric microreactor made to fit into ships without requiring the vessels to be built around the reactor. According to the company, these units can run for over five years without refueling and can be combined for larger power needs.
Bobby Gallagher, CEO and co-founder of Deployable Energy, expressed pride in partnering with a leader in the U.S. maritime sector, saying it could help establish a commercial maritime nuclear industry.
Todd M. Hornbeck, Chairman, President, and CEO of Hornbeck Offshore, mentioned that compact nuclear power could enhance “economics, endurance, and energy resilience” in several maritime markets.
This partnership comes at a time when there is increasing interest in using small modular reactors and microreactors for purposes beyond military applications at sea. Commercial uses could include powering ships and offshore infrastructure that needs a lot of continuous electricity.
However, there are still significant challenges, especially concerning licensing, safety, classification, liability, and international regulations regarding nuclear-powered ships.
Deployable Energy has stated that it is the only commercial microreactor developer to have achieved criticality and received Approval in Principle from a maritime classification society.
The companies are set to follow a phased development process that begins with feasibility studies and front-end engineering. This will be followed by detailed design work, obtaining regulatory approvals, and initial deployment. Any deployment will depend on technical and commercial progress, regulatory approvals, and final agreements.
Hornbeck operates high-specification offshore service vessels that serve the offshore energy industry, primarily in the U.S. Gulf and Latin America, as well as U.S. government and specialized maritime customers.