BHP Considers Building Nuclear Cargo Ships
ULC-Energy BV, a Dutch nuclear energy development and consulting company, has completed a study on the potential of civilian nuclear technologies to power commercial maritime vessels.
The study compares the key characteristics of various reactor designs with the requirements for potential use in commercial shipping and assesses a number of issues such as port access, vessel licensing and classification, capital costs, crew training and certification.
The study was requested by BHP, an international mining company that is one of the world’s largest producers of key commodities, including iron ore, copper, nickel and metallurgical coal. As such, it is a major charterer of maritime vessels.
It should be noted that the shipping industry consumes about 350 million tons of fossil fuels annually and accounts for about 3% of total global carbon emissions. In July 2023, the shipping industry, through the International Maritime Organization, approved new greenhouse gas emission reduction targets aimed at achieving zero emissions by 2050.
According to ULC-Energy BV, the decarbonization of the shipping industry is a huge challenge on the way to more sustainable transportation. Some of the methods being employed today focus on energy efficiency through the use of larger ships, improved hull designs and optimized operations, but much of the maritime industry’s efficiency lies in the ability to use alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas, methanol and ammonia. An alternative energy source can be offered by nuclear technology, which has the potential for longer range, faster transit and reduced refueling needs, all while maintaining a low carbon emissions figures.
Dirk Rabelink, CEO of ULC-Energy BV, confirms: “Civil nuclear solutions have the potential to become a reliable and cost-effective alternative to other maritime fuels. However, to take this step, we need to cooperate with many stakeholders.”
According to World Nuclear News