ABS releases new study on potential for nuclear-powered LNG carriers

Image: ABS

ABS, which has a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels, has released a new report on the potential of nuclear technology for maritime. It focuses on the potential for a nuclear-powered LNG carrier fitted with a small modular reactor.

The study looks at the impact of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) on the design, operation and emissions of a 145,000 cubic meter LNG carrier. The design was modeled by ABS and Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC).

Designed to help industry better understand the feasibility and safety implications of nuclear propulsion and to support future development project, the study provides important information on heat and energy management, shielding, weight distribution, and other design features for an LNG carrier with nuclear propulsion. This will assist the identification of design issues that will inform future rules development. The study also found the HTGR technology allowed faster transit speeds and offers zero-emission operations. There would also be no requirement to refuel, although the HTGR technology would need replacing approximately every six years.

“While this technology is well understood on land, adapting it for marine application is in its infancy,” said ABS senior VP and CTO Patrick Ryan. “However, this study and the other research we have carried out clearly highlight its significant potential to address not only shipping’s emissions challenge but to deliver a range of other operational advantages to the industry. ABS is committed to helping the industry evaluate its suitability for use in a range of use cases and LNG carriers is just one of a range of potential applications we are exploring.”

The study shows a nuclear-powered LNG carrier would have specific design features, with reactors placed at the rear of the vessel and batteries forward of the location occupied by fuel tanks on current vessels and a reinforced hull. Given design constraints, the HTGR technology would only be suitable for larger LNG carriers.

The report is the latest in a succession of initiatives from ABS designed to address challenges to the adoption of nuclear technology at sea. Earlier this month, ABS launched the industry’s first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants at a forum for nuclear industry leaders held jointly with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Held at ABS’ world headquarters in Texas, the event saw presentations on the latest reactor technologies from leading companies.

• Download the study on the nuclear-powered LNG carrier design HERE