Maersk joins study of nuclear-powered box ships 

The partners in a release said the study “will provide insight for members of the maritime value chain who are exploring the business case for nuclear power to help shape their fleet strategy towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.”

Nuclear power could play a key role as part of “a multi-fuel pathway to decarbonizing the maritime industry” and could help meet emission reduction targets set by the International Maritime Organization.

Lloyd’s participation would aid in developing standards for insuring commercial nuclear-powered ships operating in ports, waterways and nearshore environments.

“Nuclear power holds a number of challenges related to safety, waste management, and regulatory acceptance across regions, and so far, the downsides have clearly outweighed the benefits of the technology,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology for Maersk, in the release. “If these challenges can be addressed by development of the new, so-called fourth-generation reactor designs, nuclear power could potentially mature into another possible decarbonization pathway for the logistics industry 10 to 15 years in the future. Therefore, we continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low emission solutions.”

Nuclear-powered civilian vessels have plied global waters in the past. The first was the Soviet icebreaker Lenin launched in 1957. The U.S.-built SS Savannah, which operated from 1962-72, was the first of a total four nuclear cargo vessels in service.