What is said to be the industry’s first comprehensive set of rules for floating nuclear power plants has been unveiled by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), working with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), home of the National Reactor Innovation Center.
The launch saw presentations on the latest reactor technologies from leading companies and publication of a detailed study from ABS and Herbert Engineering modelling the design, operation and emissions of a floating nuclear power plant.
Christopher J Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO said: “We demonstrated today that nuclear’s potential in the maritime domain is so much more than a reactor on a ship. Nuclear energy can link energy demands across the electric, industrial and shipping transportation sectors to optimise energy generation and use, maintain grid reliability and support decarbonisation of shipping and industry. Not to mention its vast potential for the production of clean fuels such as e-ammonia and e-hydrogen. It is clear that nuclear energy has the potential to be a disruptor for the maritime industry. This is why we are proud to produce the first comprehensive rule set for the industry as an important step forward for the adoption of the technology.”
The ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications is considered to provide the first classification notation for nuclear power service assets such as floating nuclear power plants or nuclear-powered floating production, offloading and storage units. The requirements allow designers to consider any type of reactor technology and propose a framework for nuclear regulators to collaborate with flag administrations and ABS for complete regulatory oversight and license.
The regulatory landscape around nuclear power plants was another key feature of the launch, followed by workshops with offshore industry leaders to explore their requirements and understand operational challenges floating nuclear power plant technology will have to overcome.
Brad Tomer, COO National Reactor Innovation Center said: “This is an exciting time for nuclear energy. Idaho National Laboratory is growing and working with industry partners like ABS to test and demonstrate advanced reactor technologies. Collaboration and discussions like these will be critical as we move forward in delivering the low-carbon, affordable and reliable power that nuclear energy provides.”
ABS says it is playing a leading role in helping government and industry work towards the adoption of advanced nuclear technology in commercial maritime, including key research with the US Department of Energy and multiple new technology qualification and approval-in-principle projects with industry. The ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications is available to download here.
Image: From left; Matt Tremblay, ABS; Meg Dowling, ABS; Brad Tomer, INL; Christopher J Wiernicki, ABS Sanjay Mukhi, NRIC; Patrick Ryan, ABS (source: ABS)
