The US-based classification society said the notation is featured in the latest American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) document, the Guide for Nuclear Ready Applications for Marine and Offshore. It has been developed "to assist vessel owners, designers, and builders in preparing vessels for future conversion to the use of a nuclear system", ABS said. "It provides a framework for understanding the technical considerations involved and outlines the requirements for achieving the optimal Nuclear Ready notation."
"A nuclear-ready vessel is designed and built with the intention of using nuclear power in the future but operates with an alternative power system until a suitable nuclear reactor is installed," ABS said. "This is a complex decision involving technical and commercial challenges so that systems and the design are ready for all requirements. Shipowners/operators who are uncertain about pursuing immediate nuclear installations can opt for vessels built with alternative power systems in the interim. Designing a vessel as 'nuclear ready' involves significant planning and foresight so that its future nuclear conversion can be achieved efficiently, safely, and economically."
Readiness considerations evaluated under the notation may include space allocation, structural arrangements, system interfaces, safety-related features and other design elements needed to support a future nuclear conversion, ABS said. The notation signals that future nuclear conversion has been built into the design approach from the outset rather than treated as a distant or aspirational concept.
It notes that the term 'vessel' includes ships, barges, and offshore units and installations. The guide, ABS said, provides technical direction for nuclear-powered vessels "where nuclear energy is not used for propulsion".
It adds: "However, once industry standards specific to nuclear propulsion are developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), or other applicable bodies, this ABS Guide will be updated accordingly. With this approach, ABS maintains the Nuclear Ready notations in alignment with future advancements in marine nuclear technologies, providing reliable and future-focused support to the industry."
The guide may be applied to both new construction and existing vessel conversions, regardless of size, utilising any form of energy production for vessel operations.
"The Nuclear Ready notations offer shipbuilders, owners, designers, and other applicable stakeholders a pathway to identify and address technical considerations for future nuclear conversion. It reflects ABS's ongoing commitment to protect life, property, and the natural environment including by achieving the safe and sustainable adoption of nuclear-powered vessels."
"The Nuclear-Ready Notation addresses a growing industry need to plan for future nuclear adoption in a structured way incorporating the technology's specific requirements," said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "As interest in nuclear energy as a marine and offshore power source continues to expand, and the technology develops, ABS is proud to provide industry-leading guidance for owners, designers and builders, a formal framework to incorporate future nuclear conversion into their design approach from the outset."
IAEA initiative
The IAEA has announced a new initiative to support the maritime industry's exploration of small modular reactors to power civilian ships and to provide offshore energy, as operators consider alternative fuels and seek to strengthen long-term energy security.
The Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) initiative will be unveiled at an IAEA Ministerial level event hosted by the USA in Washington on 26-27 August. The IAEA said it seeks to advance the deployment of innovative civil nuclear applications via the ATLAS initiative.
Under the ATLAS initiative, the maritime and nuclear industries will cooperate with the IAEA to identify and address the key challenges and obstacles to using civil nuclear applications at sea, which will support Member State establishment of a robust framework that promotes and supports the deployment of these technologies. This could include recommendations for revisions to IAEA safety standards and nuclear security guidance and strengthening international cooperation to ensure effective safety, security, and safeguards throughout the lifetime of such vessels and facilities.
"Nuclear energy is fast emerging as a potential game-changer for both the shipping and offshore industries," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. "It offers an unprecedented opportunity: not only could it enable ships to sail cleanly, further and faster without frequent refuelling, the high energy density of small modular reactors provides clean energy for a range of operations. This is the kind of solution we urgently need to achieve genuine and lasting transformation in shipping and beyond."
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