Queensland’s ship design group Seatransport and Houston-based Deployable Energy are collaborating with Lloyd’s Register (LR) to develop nuclear power generation for different applications, including strategic response vessels in remote areas. 

Using micro modular reactor (MMR) technology, two to five MMRs of 1MWe capacity each will power a 73-metre amphibious vessel, designed for emergency response and disaster relief duties in remote areas. This will enable the vessel to operate for 8-10 years without refuelling, and it can feed power into the shore grid of affected areas and whenever docked at port.

LR, a global professional maritime services group with deep expertise in maritime and nuclear innovation, is leading the programme to ensure quality, protocols and safety aspects are established and followed.

Claudene Sharp-Patel, LR’s Global Technical Director, said: “As nuclear technology progresses towards maritime applications, LR is uniquely positioned to help develop these initiatives. We bring our extensive history in maritime and nuclear safety, providing a strong foundation for safe, insurable, and scalable nuclear-powered shipping. Our extensive experience with small modular reactors in the defence sector further demonstrates our commitment to safety and innovation.” 

The concept was presented at LR’s recent Australia Advisory Committee Meeting with Remko Hottentot, LR Commercial Manager – Australasia, signing the agreement with the Australian parties. 

LR’s Fuel for Thought: Nuclear report provides an analysis of nuclear’s current status and future potential in maritime decarbonisation. Fuel for Thought is an industry-leading series of reports and webinars on alternative ship fuels, covering technology advances, policy developments, and emerging trends and opportunities.