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P. 178
Feature
Adoption of nuclear
propulsion for commercial
shipping requires
a multifaceted approach
Dr John Kokarakis emphasises that the adoption of nuclear
propulsion in shipping demands a comprehensive strategy
that addresses regulatory, technological, and market-
driven challenges.
Can nuclear-powered ships help the density of nuclear propulsion. At the
industry meet the IMO decarbon- same time, marginal fuel cost increases
isation targets by 2050? What enable faster voyages, improving logis-
are the pros and cons of nuclear tics efficiency.
propulsion systems compared to On the other hand, accidents such as
conventional ones? collisions or groundings carry the risk
Nuclear-powered ships have the poten- of radioactive marine pollution, harm-
tial to help the maritime industry achieve ing ecosystems, while reactor heat dis-
the International Maritime Organisa- charge may disrupt marine biodiversity.
tion’s (IMO) net-zero greenhouse gas What is more, the upfront costs for reac-
(GHG) emissions target by or around tors, specialised ports, and waste man-
2050. Nuclear propulsion eliminates agement are significantly higher. Port
direct CO , SO , and NO emissions access and liability frameworks must be
x
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throughout a vessel’s operational life, regulated. Finally, commercial vessels
Opinions expressed by aligning with the IMO’s 2050 net-zero are less damage-resistant than military
Dr John Kokarakis, goal. Thus, air pollutants associated with vessels, thus increasing the risks during
Technical Director, SEEBA Zone, conventional fuels are eliminated. conflicts or extreme weather conditions.
at Bureau Veritas Group
The lifetime cost of these types of ves-
sels is lower, enabling a shorter return What do you think is required to drive
on investment (ROI). Because reactors the adoption of nuclear-pow-
require minimal refuelling (every 5-15 ered ships: technological break-
years), they reduce reliance on carbon- throughs, regulatory changes, or
intensive bunkering, which makes them demand from charterers?
ideal for remote routes. Studies confirm The adoption of nuclear propulsion in Credit:EPA/JIM LO SCALZ
that nuclear-powered ships can achieve commercial shipping requires a multi-
near-zero emissions with minimal cargo faceted approach, one involving reg-
capacity loss due to the high energy ulatory modernisation, technological
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