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isations and other bodies to help facilitate ships’ transition into
using nuclear technologies.

How does nuclear propulsion affect ship design, maintenance,
and crew training requirements?
Like with any new alternative fuel, ship design and
training will be impacted, as will crews. Each of the
nuclear technologies will affect design, training, and
maintenance in different ways.
As with other new fuel types, such as ammonia and hydro-
gen, the current shortage of skilled seafarers is a critical
factor. At present, very few are trained to deal with them.
We anticipate that the requirements for nuclear propulsion
will be comparable to those for all other fuel types.

Are there concerns regarding radioactive waste management
at sea?
Yes, but the regulations governing the ship’s operation will
strictly mandate the control, handling, and management of
these materials. It should be noted that since the dawn of the
atomic age, nuclear materials have been transported at sea
under well-established and closely followed protocols. The same
level of stringency will be applied to nuclear-powered ships.

What types of ships or operational profiles (e.g., tankers, LNG
carriers, bulkers, container ships) would you consider
most suitable for nuclear propulsion in the first wave of
adoption?
This is a really good question and an area that Lloyd’s Register
is currently exploring.
It is interesting to note that Bud Darr, President and CEO of the
Cruise Lines Industries Association (CLIA), recently spoke on
record about his belief that nuclear power is a viable, if not the
most feasible path forward for the cruise industry.

Could nuclear propulsion be combined with other technologies
for hybrid solutions?
It is hard to see the benefit of doing this, as nuclear
power already provides the most efficient energy
source available. That said, combining nuclear pro-
pulsion with other technologies is technically
possible, and we look forward to seeing the scenarios presented
as various solutions are developed.

What are your thoughts on floating nuclear power plants
(FNPPs) as a potential shore power solution for enegy-in- Communications
tensive ports or shipyards?
The first thing to acknowledge is that FNPPs have existed in the & Media Services
US since the 1970s and are also currently operated in Russia. for the maritime industry
For instance, back in the ‘70s, the USS General S.D. Sturgis
provided 10 MW of power to the Panama Canal.
The value proposition for FNPPs is extensive. Imagine being Social Media | Press Office | Events
able to build and deploy a unit within 18 months of signing a
contract. That is what the future will bring. Ports are in need of
clean, energy-dense power solutions, which FNPPs provide in a
clean, energy-dense package. On a global scale, nuclear power
holds the potential to truly revolutionise the maritime sector.
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