US classification society ABS released a study investigating how a small modular reactor could power a standard liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.
The transformational impact of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) on the design, operation and emissions of a 145,000-cbm LNG carrier design was modeled by ABS and Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC).
ABS said the study is designed to help industry better understand the feasibility and safety implications of nuclear propulsion and to support future development projects.
The study provides ABS and the industry important information on heat and energy management, shielding, weight distribution, and other design features for an LNG carrier with nuclear propulsion.
According to ABS, this will assist the identification of design issues that will inform future rules development.
ABS said the study also found the HTGR technology allowed faster transit speeds and offers zero-emission operations.
There would also be no requirement to refuel, although the HTGR technology would need replacing approximately every six years, it said.
The study shows a nuclear-propelled LNG carrier would have specific design features, with reactors placed at the rear of the vessel and batteries forward of the location occupied by fuel tanks on current vessels and a reinforced hull.
Given design constraints, the HTGR technology would only be suitable for larger LNG carriers, ABS said.
“While this technology is well understood on land, adapting it for marine application is in its infancy,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS senior VP and CTO.
“However, this study and the other research we have carried out clearly highlight its significant potential to address not only shipping’s emissions challenge but to deliver a range of other operational advantages to the industry,” he said.