Page 148 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

Feature

The questions For Europe and other powerful coun-
tries, the search for alternative forms
of energy that could replace fossil fuels
of where and appears to be of vital importance. The
goal is to eliminate the reliance on fossil
fuels and lower CO emissions.
2
how to dispose of In this context, nuclear energy, with its
enormous energy potential and zero car-
bon dioxide emissions, is considered cru-
nuclear waste cial for energy independence and strate-
gic competitiveness. It is now considered
an essential tool for maintaining geopo-
remain technically litical influence and economic power.
Tightening environmental regulations
in shipping, along with the need to
unresolved reduce emissions from ships, makes
the use of nuclear power in propulsion
attractive. The advantages are apparent;
however, the problems – mainly environ-
mental – cannot be ignored.
Nuclear energy research is no longer
limited to conventional reactors but is
In the last century and even more so in the last few now focused on technologies such as
decades, humanity’s demand for energy has increased Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), Gener-
exponentially. The dependence on fossil fuels poses ation IV reactors, and microreactors.
a threat to the economic stability of states that are not These technologies are not new. In the
energy self-sufficient. At the same time, fossil fuels USA, as early as the 1970s, the devel-
themselves are not inexhaustible to cover indefinitely opment of MSRs was abandoned due
the insatiable needs of modern civilisation. to political and economic measures and
the serious technical challenge posed
by the highly corrosive nature of molten
salts. Today, interest is rekindled, mainly
due to the ability of these reactors to
operate as autonomous units, the the-
oretical increased safety, and the lower
production of radioactive waste.
However, we should not be under the
illusion that there are reactors – MSRs
or otherwise – that produce negligible or
harmless nuclear waste. The production
of radioactive isotopes through nuclear
fission is inevitable, and no level of radi-
oactivity is negligible. Even the minimal
levels of radioactivity reported in medical
Opinions expressed by applications are dangerous for vulnera-
Panos Kourkountis, ble groups, pregnant women, or people
Chairman of MARTECMA sensitive to radiation.
& Technical Director of SEA Traders S.A.
Nuclear-powered warships have been
around for many years. However, the use
of nuclear reactors in commercial ship-
ping poses several obstacles, including
the high initial cost of installation, low
fossil fuel prices, and technical and legis-
lative issues related to the use and trade
of nuclear isotopes, which are expected
to be resolved in the coming decades.
A nuclear-powered ship will carry from

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