Page 167 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

Credit: EPA/MARTIN DIVI

requirements for nuclear installations will also depend heavily on demand sig- but not insurmountable, especially with
on board marine units and to establish nals from cargo owners and charterers, the growing body of experience from
technology-neutral, basic requirements who are increasingly prioritising sustain- naval applications.
independent of the type of reactor or ability and emissions reduction in their
marine unit on which the nuclear instal- procurement decisions. To what extent are flag states and port
lation is installed. The philosophy of the Regarding public confidence in the safety authorities prepared to handle
RINA guide is to provide guidance on the and environmental integrity of nuclear nuclear-powered ships?
arrangement and installation of nuclear systems, it can only be strengthened Preparedness among flag states and
power systems on board, in line with the through transparency, education, and port authorities varies. Countries with
applicable international regulations. demonstrated success in early pilot experience in naval nuclear propulsion,
As a further step, the RINA guide will projects. In parallel, financial incentives such as the United States, Russia, and
soon be complemented by other publi- or carbon pricing mechanisms could France, are better positioned to manage
cations dealing with specific technolo- help close the cost gap between nuclear the complexities of nuclear maritime
gies, such as pressurised water reactors, propulsion and traditional marine fuels. operations. However, most port author-
molten salt reactors, and lead-cooled ities still need to develop the infrastruc-
fast reactors, establishing goals and What are the key technical challenges ture, training, and regulatory frame-
functional requirements to reach, and in integrating nuclear power into works needed to safely accommodate
specific ship types, such as passenger commercial vessels? nuclear-powered vessels. A coordinated
ships and Ro-Ro passenger ships, with One of the primary challenges is adapt- international effort, ideally led by the
particular attention to their ‘safe return ing reactor technology to the maritime IMO, will be essential to establish con-
to port’ capabilities. environment, which requires compact, sistent standards and build the capacity
From a technological standpoint, further resilient designs that can withstand the required to support these ships globally.
advances in reactor design are neces- dynamic conditions at sea. Ensuring
sary, particularly for small modular reac- adequate containment will also have How does nuclear propulsion affect ship
tors and next-generation systems such to be addressed. Additionally, integrating design, maintenance, and crew
as molten salt or lead-cooled fast reac- nuclear systems with existing shipboard training requirements?
tors, to meet the unique demands of the infrastructure demands careful engi- The adoption of nuclear propulsion fun-
marine environment. Economic viability neering. These challenges are significant, damentally alters the requirements for

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