Page 172 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025
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Feature
Public perception
is one of the greatest
potential obstacles facing
the widespread adoption
of nuclear-powered vessels
Can nuclear-powered ships help the extra weight because of the shield-
industry meet the IMO decarbon- ing, they are lighter than conventional
isation targets by 2050? What engines and systems. This means that
are the pros and cons of nuclear for every KW produced, less energy is
propulsion systems compared to spent on ship propulsion.
conventional ones? In the short to medium term, the high
Traditional nuclear reactors have been capital expenditure associated with
used to provide zero-emission power for nuclear propulsion and the availability
naval and government vessels for more of uranium resources are limiting fac-
than 60 years. With the increased focus tors. Careful thought to the contractual
on achieving zero carbon emissions in arrangements governing the new con-
the maritime industry and the develop- struction, maintenance, and the own-
ment of small modular reactor (SMR) ership of the reactor itself is essential.
technology that is practically emis- However, public perception remains one
Opinions expressed by sions-free, nuclear-powered merchant of the greatest potential obstacles to the
Dr Spyros Hirdaris, ships could offer a potential solution for widespread adoption of nuclear-powered
Manager at the Athens Global Ship Systems decarbonising the global fleet. vessels, as the primary public concern
Centre (Corporate Technology), ABS
The advantages and disadvantages of about nuclear fuel is the perceived safety
their use are related to technology read- risk it would pose.
iness, economic matters, engineering
implementation, and public perception. What do you think is required to drive
SMR technology is still under develop- the adoption of nuclear-pow-
ment. These reactors could be installed ered ships: technological break-
on vessels, perhaps modularly, and pro- throughs, regulatory changes, or
vide energy without the need for fre- demand from charterers?
quent bunkering operations. Since they In 2024, the International Atomic Energy
are not pressurised, they pose less risk. Agency (IAEA) reported that 67 SMRs of
Their fuel is stored within the reactor variable technology readiness are under
and, therefore, it does not require addi- development. In the future, some of
tional space. Finally, while SMRs carry these could be useful for maritime use.
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