In the ever-evolving quest for cleaner, more efficient energy sources in maritime vessel operations, nuclear power has re-emerged as a topic of serious discussion, as shipowners eye the International Maritime Organization push to
In the ever-evolving quest for cleaner, more efficient energy sources in maritime vessel operations, nuclear power has re-emerged as a topic of serious discussion, as shipowners eye theInternational Maritime Organization push to ‘net zero’ on or around 2050. Admittedly, there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution for the entirety of maritime premised on the wide variety of routes and ship types, but nuclear holds promise in several large-ship, oceangoing sectors. Phil Lewis, Director of Research at Intelatus, recently interviewed with Maritime Reporter TV to discuss the issues associated with nuclear in maritime, exploring the many opportunities and challenges ahead.
Nuclear in Maritime: Old is New Again
While nuclear propulsion in maritime operations is not new, its application has largely been confined to military vessels and specialized commercial use, such as icebreakers. According to Lewis, historically, commercial nuclear vessels were based on military-grade pressurized water reactors, which posed significant safety concerns. Past nuclear accidents, including Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, cast a long shadow over the viability of nuclear technology in civilian applications.
However, necessity is the mother of invention, and technological advances in step with the urgent need for clean energy have reignited interest in nuclear-powered ships. Today’s innovations
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