US offshore shipping firm backs micro-reactors for ships
Hornbeck Offshore has invested in nuclear startup Deployable Energy to explore the use of micro-reactors across commercial shipping and offshore applications in five markets.
IMAGE: Concept of Deployable Energy's micro-reactor nuclear battery. Deployable Energy
The companies have agreed to assess the feasibility of integrating Deployable Energy’s micro nuclear reactors into vessels operating on inland waterways, offshore vessels and platforms and power barges, among other applications.
The duo aims to create a working group focused on “vessel integration, economics, licensing pathways, financing and commercial structures”, initially focusing on the US market.
The companies plan to follow a phased approach, starting with feasibility studies and front-end engineering before moving towards detailed design, regulatory approvals and initial deployment.
This could eventually be followed by wider fleet deployment and long-term operations, the companies said.
Hornbeck Offshore operates a combined fleet of 71 offshore service and multi-purpose support vessels, according to its website.
Deployable Energy has developed what it calls a “nuclear battery”, which is a modular micro-reactor capable of producing 1 MW of electrical power.
The reactor uses uranium enriched to around 5% and is designed to operate at full power for more than five years without refuelling, according to the company.
This falls within the low-enriched uranium (LEU) category, which contains less than 20% uranium-235, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Hornbeck Offshore and Deployable Energy said the partnership could support the deployment of nuclear power in US shipping while contributing towards the IMO’s emissions targets.
Deployable Energy is also working with classification society Lloyd’s Register to assess the feasibility, safety and risk profile of using its micro-reactors for ship propulsion, with a pilot project targeted before the end of this decade.
By Konica Bhatt
Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online
