LR targets nuclear-powered shipping pilot by 2035

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has partnered with US-based startup Deployable Energy to study the feasibility, safety and risk profile of deploying micro-reactors for ship propulsion.

IMAGE: Concept of Deployable Energy's micro-reactor nuclear battery. Deployable Energy

Deployable Energy has developed a “nuclear battery” micro-reactor that runs on low-enriched uranium fuel.

Low-enriched uranium contains less than 20% uranium-235, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and cannot be weaponised in its current state. Deployable Energy’s design uses uranium enriched to about 5%, according to its website.

“Each unit is built in a factory, delivered in a standard 20-foot container, and designed to run at full power for over five years. No on-site construction. No exotic fuels,” the company adds.

“These features directly address key barriers to adoption and align with the safety and reliability expectations of classification and regulatory frameworks,” Mark Tipping, director at LR added.

LR and Deployable Energy will now focus on safety and risk assessments, with a pilot project targeted before the end of this decade.

“By replacing traditional marine fuels, the [nuclear] technology has the potential to reduce emissions, increase vessel efficiency and extend time at sea without refuelling,” LR said.

By Konica Bhatt

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