Introduction to Nuclear-Powered Ships
On July 21, 1959, the NS Savannah, a ship powered by a nuclear reactor, was launched, promising a new era in shipping. The ship was designed to demonstrate the peaceful use of nuclear power and transported goods and people around the world between 1962 and 1970.
The Decline of Nuclear-Powered Ships
Today, only a few countries operate nuclear-powered ships, mostly for military purposes. Cargo ships and passenger ships that run on nuclear fuel have all but disappeared. The main reason for this decline was the high cost of building and operating nuclear-powered ships, as well as concerns about nuclear safety.
The Shipping CO2 Emissions Problem
Merchant ships carry around 80% of all internationally traded goods and are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, but current technologies, such as batteries and alternative fuels, are not sufficient to meet this goal.
Developing an Argument for Nuclear-Powered Ships
Proponents of nuclear-powered ships argue that they offer a zero-emissions solution to the shipping industry’s environmental problems. Nuclear-powered ships can travel for years without refueling, reducing the need for frequent port calls and minimizing emissions. Jan Emblemsvag, an engineering professor, notes that nuclear-powered ships "would have no emissions" and could travel faster while saving money.
What Killed the NS Savannah?
The NS Savannah was decommissioned in 1970 due to financial and practical issues. The ship was expensive to build and operate, and its limited cargo capacity and need for specially trained crew made it uncompetitive. Additionally, nuclear safety concerns limited its access to ports around the world.
New Reactor Types for Technological Breakthroughs
The development of next-generation nuclear reactors, known as "Generation IV" reactors, offers new possibilities for nuclear-powered ships. These reactors are designed to be safer and more efficient than their predecessors. Mark Tipping of Lloyd’s Register notes that these new reactors are "fail-safe" and do not require active intervention in the event of malfunctions.
The Future of Nuclear-Powered Ships
While there is interest in reviving nuclear-powered ships, significant technical, commercial, and regulatory hurdles need to be overcome. The IMO is updating its rules for civil nuclear ships, and classification societies are revising their policies. However, it will likely take years to sort out the legal and regulatory aspects of nuclear ships, making it ambitious to expect them to be operational in the early 2030s.
Challenges and Concerns
Operating nuclear ships raises serious questions about safety, security, and waste disposal. How can nuclear fuel be prevented from leaking if a ship sinks? How can it be prevented from falling into the hands of terrorists? And what happens to the nuclear waste? These concerns need to be addressed before nuclear-powered ships can become a reality.
Conclusion
Nuclear-powered ships offer a promising solution to the shipping industry’s environmental problems, but significant challenges need to be overcome before they can become a reality. While there is interest in reviving nuclear-powered ships, it will likely take years to develop and implement the necessary technologies, regulations, and infrastructure.
