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The agreement for the joint industry project was signed today at the offices of Enterprises Shipping and Trading in Athens, Greece. 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 megawatts, have the potential to be used as a plug-in nuclear 'battery'. The research is intended to produce a concept tanker-ship 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 R. 'Grizz' Deal, the CEO of 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.” International shipping has been identified as a significant global contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it is under mounting pressure to contribute to overall emission reductions. There is an ongoing debate about how much the sector will be able to reduce those emissions, while continuing to support the forecast expansion in world trade that it enables. "Nuclear propulsion offers the opportunity for an emissions-free alternative to fossil fuel, whist 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.” Members of the Lloyd’s Register Group provide independent assurance to companies operating high-risk, capital-intensive assets in the energy and transportation sectors. We enhance the safety of life, property and the environment by helping our clients to ensure the quality construction and operation of critical infrastructure. The Group comprises charities and non-charitable entities, with the latter supporting the charities in their main goal. Lloyd's Register press release |
Shipping and power experts join forces to explore the potential for nuclear power to propel future generations of commercial tankers