The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) recently announced a historic milestone with the fourth unit of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant entering commercial operations, marking its full delivery, fulfilling ENEC’s promise to bring clean, abundant electricity to the UAE.

With nuclear proving its value to deliver clean, abundant energy on land, could nuclear prove to be a solution for emissions-free energy in maritime applications?

Nuclear technology, with its proven safety record in naval applications, is increasingly being explored as a viable solution for the maritime industry’s decarbonisation efforts. 

The goal is zero emissions throughout the operational lifecycle of such ships. Companies like Crowley and the Ulstein Group are also exploring nuclear propulsion concepts, with a focus on safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability.

Advances in small modular reactors (SMRs) are leading the way, offering safe, efficient, and emissions-free propulsion for commercial ships. Technologies like molten salt reactors (MSRs) are showing promise, with designs such as those from China’s Jiangnan Shipyard, which unveiled a nuclear-powered ultra-large container ship at Marintec 2023. 

Historically used in naval vessels and Russian icebreakers, nuclear propulsion has gained attention as a green alternative, particularly for large vessels that require substantial power over long distances.

Despite the potential, several challenges remain. Regulatory frameworks need to be established, and public perception of nuclear energy must shift to enable broader adoption. Moreover, while SMRs offer a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional nuclear technology, investment readiness and global regulatory consistency are still hurdles that must be addressed before nuclear power becomes a commercial reality in the maritime sector.

Nuclear propulsion holds significant potential for the future of maritime shipping, particularly in helping the sector meet net-zero emissions goals by 2050​.

Read more about ENEC’s historic announcement here

To learn more, read Lloyd’s Register’s Nuclear Report, the latest instalment of its ‘Fuel for Thought’ series