Blykalla, ABB expand cooperation into maritime applications

In October 2024, Blykalla and ABB signed an MoU under which ABB would explore how its automation, electrification and digitalisation solutions could support Blykalla's small modular reactor (SMR) prototype SEALER-E, which features an electric lead-cooled reactor. This includes cyber security frameworks to ensure compliance with nuclear safety regulations.

The new MoU builds on the terms of the existing MoU, expanding the partnership and "aligning with growing momentum for nuclear energy as a marine power source", the companies said.

"ABB's expertise in system integration as well as power distribution, control, and automation technologies, will be key to ensuring the successful deployment of the SMR as a shipboard solution," Blykalla said.

"We're pleased to extend our partnership with ABB into this strategically important vertical," said Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman. "With our compact reactor design, we see a unique opportunity to lead the way in maritime nuclear propulsion – a solution uniquely positioned to meet the sector's demand for clean energy. Realising this vision will require an ecosystem of committed partners, and this collaboration is a critical building block."

Juha Koskela, president of ABB's Marine and Ports division, added: "SMRs hold significant potential to drive decarbonisation, and our collaboration with Blykalla will help to advance their viability in maritime applications. Next-generation SMRs will enable innovative ship designs that can help to reduce emissions compared to vessels powered by carbon-based fuels. We are proud to partner with Blykalla on what represents an important step on shipping's decarbonisation journey."

Blykalla - formerly called LeadCold - is a spin-off from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where lead-cooled reactor systems have been under development since 1996. The company - founded in 2013 as a joint stock company - is developing the SEALER (Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor). A demonstration SEALER (SEALER-D) is planned to have a thermal output of 80 MW. Blykalla's goal is for its first 140 MWt SEALER-55 commercial reactor to be ready for operation in the early 2030s.

Blykalla's SEALER was one of three reactors selected in the initial phase of Norway's Nuclear Propulsion for Merchant Ships (NuProShip) project for further evaluation in the next phase. The NuProShip project is evaluating Generation IV SMR technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications, in particular larger ships. The ultimate purpose of the research programme is to develop a commercially viable zero-emission technology for deep-sea ships that satisfies all stakeholders and requires no subsidies after the initial development process.