Maersk to study nuclear option for European container feedership

马士基 is exploring the possibility of nuclear-powered container feederships with a new study in collaboration with 劳氏船级社 (LR) and CORE POWER (UK) Ltd .

Classification society LR and floating nuclear energy solutions provider Core Power are undertaking a joint regulatory assessment and have been joined by Maersk after the initial planning stage. The three parties have formalised the collaboration through the signing of a joint development project agreement to undertake the study.

The study will look into the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear powered feedership using a fourth-generation reactor to operate in ports within Europe.

The study brings together LR, which recently released a report on the potential for nuclear power to transform the maritime industries, Core Power’s knowledge in developing nuclear technology for maritime, and Maersk’s experience in shipping and logistics.

Maersk has been a pioneer in developing and operating methanol dual fuel container ship tonnage, starting with a feedership in the Baltic region. Studying the nuclear option sees the company further expanding its horizons in terms of possible zero carbon shipping solutions.

“Since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, we have continuously explored diverse low emission energy options for our assets. Nuclear power holds a number of challenges related to for example safety, waste management, and regulatory acceptance across regions, and so far, the downsides have clearly outweighed the benefits of the technology,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology, AP Moller – Maersk.

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