A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) has joined Lloyd's Register (LR) and CORE POWER in a joint regulatory assessment study to conduct research on the regulatory feasibility and frameworks that would need to be established for a nuclear containership.

Following the initial planning of LR and CORE POWER, Maersk has formalised their collaboration through the signing of a joint development project agreement to undertake the study.

The research would look into the possibility of using a "fourth-generation reactor" for its high inherent safety to undertake cargo operations at a port in Europe. 

"The joint study will investigate the requirements for updated safety rules along with the improved operational and regulatory understanding that is needed for the application of nuclear power in container shipping," the announcement said.

In addition, this study will provide insight for members of the maritime value chain who are exploring the business case for nuclear power to help shape their fleet strategy towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The study will combine LR's expertise as a trusted adviser to the maritime industry, CORE POWER's experience developing advanced nuclear energy technology for maritime applications, a leading Port Authority and Maersk's extensive experience in shipping and logistics.

"The initiation of this joint study marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards unlocking the potential of nuclear power in the maritime industry, paving the way for emissions-free operations, more agile service networks and greater efficiency through the supply chain," said Nick Brown, CEO Lloyd's Register.

He noted that a "multi-fuel pathway" to decarbonising the maritime industry is crucial to ensuring that the industry meets the IMO's emission reduction targets, and nuclear propulsion shows signs of playing a key role in this energy transition.

Ole Graa Jakobsen, head of fleet technology at A.P. Moller–Maersk, said that since Maersk launched its energy transition strategy in 2018, it has continuously explored diverse low-emission energy options for its assets.

"Nuclear power holds a number of challenges related to, for example, safety, waste management, and regulatory acceptance across regions, and so far, the downsides have clearly outweighed the benefits of the technology," Jakobsen said.

"If these challenges can be addressed by the development of the new so-called fourth-generation reactor designs, nuclear power could potentially mature into another possible decarbonization pathway for the logistics industry 10 to 15 years in the future," the Maersk head of fleet technology at A.P. Moller–Maersk, added.

"We continue to monitor and assess this technology, along with all other low-emission solutions," Jakobsen further said.