LNG Carrier with Nuclear Propulsion Offers Faster Zero-Emission Transits, ABS Finds

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has released its latest report into the potential of advanced nuclear technology for maritime applications, concluding the technology installed on LNG carrier would enable faster transit speeds with zero-emission operations.

ABS conducted a study of a small modular reactor on a standard liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.

The transformational impact of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) on the design, operation and emissions of a 145,000m3 LNG carrier design was modeled by ABS and Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC).

The study is designed to help industry better understand the feasibility and safety implications of nuclear propulsion and to support future development projects.

The study provides ABS and the industry 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. 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,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

The study shows a nuclear propelled 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).