Maritime classification society the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has launched what it says is the industry's first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants.
ABS said the Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications has been developed "for classification requirements specific to design, construction, and survey of vessels fitted with nuclear power systems whose generated power is transferred or distributed to onboard industrial or adjacent facilities. Nuclear power service vessels are intended to operate nuclear power plant systems while temporarily or permanently stationed. This document is not applicable where nuclear power is used for propulsion or auxiliary services on self-propelled vessels".
"Uniquely, the requirements allow designers to consider any type of reactor technology and propose a framework for nuclear regulators to collaborate with flag administrations (the national authority with whom the vessel is registered) and ABS for complete regulatory oversight and license," ABS said.
ABS noted that it is the responsibility of nuclear regulators to license the reactor and applicable nuclear safety structures, systems and components. "These requirements and any use thereof does not replace the review, certification, licence, or other approval of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) technology by a nuclear regulator."
The classification requirements were launched during a forum held at ABS's world headquarters in Texas for nuclear industry leaders held jointly by ABS and Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The event 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. It was followed by workshops with offshore industry leaders to explore their requirements and understand operational challenges floating nuclear power plant technology will have to overcome.
"We demonstrated today that nuclear's potential in the maritime domain is so much more than a reactor on a ship," said ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher Wiernicki. "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."
Brad Tomer, COO of the National Reactor Innovation Center headquartered at INL, added: "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 is a maritime classification society: an organisation responsible for establishing the minimum technical standards and requirements for maritime safety and environmental protection and ensuring their consistent application. Established in 1862, the organisation describes itself as a global leader in providing classification services for marine and offshore assets, with a mission to serve the public interest as well as its members and clients by promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment. The organisation's history with maritime nuclear energy sources dates back to 1959, when the NS Savannah - the first merchant ship powered by a nuclear reactor - was approved under ABS Rules.
ABS said 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 (DOE) and multiple new technology qualification and approval-in-principle projects with industry."
The DOE has awarded ABS a contract to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels. The DOE has also contracted ABS to support research into thermal-electric integration of a nuclear propulsion system on a commercial vessel being carried out by the University of Texas.