Maersk partners with Lloyd’s Register and CORE POWER to explore nuclear power’s feasibility for container shipping.
Maersk has joined forces with Lloyd’s Register (LR) and UK-based CORE POWER to investigate the feasibility of nuclear-powered container ships. The collaboration focusses on assessing the regulatory and safety requirements needed for a next-generation nuclear-propelled feeder container ship in Europe. This initiative marks a significant step towards exploring nuclear energy as a sustainable alternative for maritime shipping.
The joint study will examine updated safety rules, regulatory needs, and the business case for nuclear propulsion in container shipping. LR will offer advisory support, leveraging its maritime expertise, while CORE POWER contributes its knowledge of nuclear technology. Maersk will utilise its shipping and logistics experience, with input from a leading European Port Authority.
CORE POWER specialises in scalable nuclear technology for maritime and industrial use, focussing on modular molten salt reactors (MSRs) for ship propulsion and blue-green fuel. production. As interest in nuclear power grows, the shipping industry is considering alternatives to ammonia and methanol, which face challenges in infrastructure and availability.
Nuclear power offers significant advantages, including emissions-free shipping, extended vessel spans, reduced fuel costs, and stability amid fuel supply uncertainties. However, industry adoption remains limited due to public perception and safety concerns. Addressing these challenges is crucial to unlocking nuclear power’s potential for decarbonising the logistics industry.
“If the hurdles related to safety, waste management, and regulatory acceptance can be overcome, nuclear power could become a viable decarbonisation option within 10 to 15 years,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology at A.P. Moller-Maersk.
Mikal Bøe, CEO of CORE POWER, emphasised, “There’s no net zero without nuclear. This partnership aims to establish the standards needed for the insurability and safe operation of nuclear-powered ships, paving the way for future maritime innovation.”
