Seatransport and Deployable Energy have announced that they’re partnering with Lloyd’s Register (LR) to develop nuclear power solutions, including for strategic response vessels in remote areas.
The project will use micro modular reactor (MMR) technology, with 2–5 MWe, each with a capacity of 1 MWe, powering a 73-metre amphibious vessel designed for disaster relief and emergency response.
The vessel will be capable of operating 8–10 years without refuelling and can supply power to shore grids in affected areas or while docked in port.
LR is leading the programme to ensure quality, protocols and safety aspects are established and followed.
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Claudene Sharp-Patel, LR’s Global Technical Director, said: “As nuclear technology progresses towards maritime applications, LR is uniquely positioned to help develop these initiatives.
“We bring our extensive history in maritime and nuclear safety, providing a strong foundation for safe, insurable, and scalable nuclear-powered shipping.”
The concept was presented at LR’s Australia Advisory Committee Meeting, where LR’s Remko Hottentot signed the agreement with the Australian partners.
In summer 2024, LR and CORE POWER launched a joint regulatory assessment study to investigate the regulatory feasibility and frameworks required for a nuclear containership. The collaborative research will look into the requirements for revised safety norms, as well as enhanced operational and regulatory knowledge, for the use of nuclear power in container shipping.
