Page 176 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - SEPT 2025

Feature

ible and resilient manner, while support-
ing the established sustainable develop-
ment goals. The benefits for shipping are
yet to be proved.

What are your thoughts on floating
nuclear power plants (FNPPs) as
a potential shore power solution
for energy-intensive ports or ship-
yards?
FNPPs represent a game-changing
approach to nuclear energy deployment.
They can be centrally manufactured and
easily transported to operation sites, com-
bining advanced nuclear technology with
shipyard efficiency. They offer flexible
power supply, providing clean electricity
for local grids, heating, cooling, and EV
charging. Their offshore nature enhances
safety, granting protection from extreme
weather events. FNPPs also allow for rapid
deployment, enabling faster implementa-
tion to meet urgent energy needs.
ABS worked with Herbert Engineering Corporation on the high-level design of a standard SMRs could be installed on FNPP designs
LNG carrier – called Fission Forward - to illustrate how one type of advanced nuclear with significant advantages in terms of
fission technology could be applied for shipboard power in the future. The Fission safety and cost. Their modular concept
Forward project placed emphasis on which aspects of ship and reactor design may require
further investigation to guide the development of the integrated technology allows energy output to adapt to the
and regulatory framework. cold-ironing needs of large ports. With
refuelling cycles of approximately five
Picture Credit © ABS/HEC
years, designs would be compact and
What types of ships or operational profiles also be considered, although available simpler, eliminating the need for fuel or high
(e.g., tankers, LNG carriers, bulkers, data on this aspect remains scarce. radioactive waste to be handled on board.
container ships) would you consider The first comprehensive rules for FNPPs
most suitable for nuclear propulsion Could nuclear propulsion be combined were unveiled by ABS at a forum for
in the first wave of adoption? with other technologies for hybrid nuclear industry leaders held jointly with
Floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) solutions? the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in
and high-value ships such as container The IAEA defines nuclear-renewable October 2024. The ABS Requirements
ships or LNGs could be the first adop- systems as integrated facilities compris- explain how the interface between stake-
ters of SMR technology. ing nuclear reactors, renewable energy holders could function to allow for any
Recent work by ABS demonstrated that generation, and industrial processes that type of reactor technology. They also pro-
the total cost of ownership for nuclear- can simultaneously address the need for pose a framework for nuclear regulators
powered and traditionally fuelled ves- grid flexibility, emissions reduction, and to collaborate with flag administrations
sels is similar during the initial years optimal use of investment capital. and ABS to ensure complete regulatory
of operation. However, over time, the These systems are often referred to as oversight and licensing.
operating expenses for conventionally integrated energy systems that incor- Most recently, ABS formed an industry
fuelled vessels are expected to increase, porate multiple generators and produce consortium with Core Power and Athlos
given the anticipated rises in carbon multiple energy products in either coor- Energy to explore the potential of deploy-
costs and fuel prices. This is not the dinated systems (i.e., a loosely coupled ing FNPPs to meet the energy demands of
case for nuclear-powered ships. network of generators in a grid balancing islands, ports, and coastal communities in
It is important to acknowledge that area) or tightly coupled energy systems the Aegean Sea. The group will research
nuclear fuel prices may vary depending (i.e., energy parks in which subsystems how FNPPs can potentially unlock a range
on the type of fuel, so a more detailed are co-designed and controlled). of applications, including the establish-
evaluation of the total cost of owner- While the true value of these systems ment of grid-scale electricity in remote
ship (TCO) and vessel speed needs to remains to be demonstrated, current locations, the delivery of emission-free
be investigated on a case-by-case basis. research suggests that the hybrid use energy to ports, and the distribution
It is worth noting that decommissioning of nuclear and renewable energy sources of reliable clean energy to desalination
costs, which can be rather high, should may help meet energy demands in a flex- plants.

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