American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed an agreement to promote the use of nuclear power in commercial shipping, including nuclear-powered ships and floating power plants.
Details of the Agreement
Under this agreement, ABS and DOE will examine conceptual and feasibility studies related to floating nuclear power systems and nuclear transport corridors. This work will also address the technical, legal, economic, and policy challenges that have so far hindered the commercial adoption of nuclear technology at sea.
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John McDonald, President and CEO of ABS, stated: “Advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to application, and the shipping industry must be prepared for it.”
Existing Challenges and Barriers
Despite the use of nuclear power in military ships for decades, its commercial adoption remains limited. Significant questions arise regarding reactor licensing, access to ports, liabilities, crew training, and the legal responsibilities of countries and coasts.
The U.S. government has increased its efforts to address these barriers. In August, the U.S. Department of Energy hosted the launch of the ATLAS (Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea) initiative, aimed at developing an international framework for the safe and secure use of nuclear technology in ships and floating facilities.
ABS is also expanding its activities in this area. The organization has published new regulations for floating nuclear power plants and has provided approvals for several nuclear-powered ship concepts, including a cargo ship propulsion system developed by a maritime consortium led by MIT.
Additionally, earlier this year, the U.S. Marine Innovation Center held meetings with industry and government officials to examine the legal barriers to deploying nuclear-powered ships and marine energy platforms.
Ted Garish, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, said: “Advanced nuclear technology can transform the commercial shipping industry and open new markets for American innovation.”
This agreement does not specifically announce a shipbuilding project or a specific deployment timeline, but instead expands the collaboration between the federal government and ABS to achieve the technical and economic capabilities of nuclear power at sea.
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