Tankers to go nuclear?
(Nov 19 2010)
Shipping and power experts have joined together to explore the potential for
nuclear power to propel future tankers.
Members of new research consortium include Lloyd's Register, Enterprises
Shipping and Trading, Hyperion Power Generation and BMT Nigel Gee. They have
joined together to examine the marine applications for small modular reactors
(SMRs).
The companies believe the installation of SMRs is technically feasible and has
the potential to drastically reduce shipping's CO2 emissions.
"This a very exciting project," said LR's CEO, Richard Sadler. "We believe that
as society recognises the limited choices available in the low-carbon,
oil-scarce economy - and as land-based nuclear plants become common place - we
will see nuclear ships on specific trade routes sooner than many people
currently anticipate."
Enterprises' Victor Restis said: "Despite the fact that shipping contributes
much less to the world's atmospheric pollution than other shore-based
industries, we believe that no effort is too great when it comes to
safeguarding a better world for future generations. We are extremely honoured
and proud to be part of this consortium at this historic event, as we strongly
believe that alternative power generation is the answer for shipping
transportation."
The consortium believes that SMRs, with a thermal power output of more than 68
MW, have the potential to be used as a plug-in nuclear 'battery'.
The research is intended to produce a concept tanker design based on
conventional and 'modular' concepts. Special attention will be paid to analysis
of a vessel's lifecycle cost, as well as to hull-form designs and structural
layout, including grounding and collision protection.
"We are enthusiastic about participating in the historic opportunity presented
by this truly groundbreaking consortium," said John 'Grizz' Deal, CEO Hyperion
Power.
"In addition to fitting the basic requirements as the model for studying the
application of SMRs in commercial naval propulsion, the Hyperion Power Module
[HPM] can also help to set new nuclear maritime standards. The HPM's design
includes a non-pressurised vessel and non-reactive coolant. These features,
among others in the HPM, should encourage the industry to strive for even
higher levels of inherent safety in their models," he said.
"Nuclear propulsion offers the opportunity for an emissions-free alternative to
fossil fuel, while delivering ancillary benefits and security to the maritime
industry," said Dr Phil Thompson, sector director - transport, for the BMT
group.
"We look forward to using our wide range of maritime skills and expertise to
identify the through-life implications, risks and potential for developing and
using SMRs in the civilian maritime environment and to provide a framework for
its safe and reliable introduction and utilisation," Dr Thompson concluded.
============= fm tanker operator ============
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