Nuclear propulsion, as a zero-emissions ship power concept, has been around for many years. Following successful use of the technology in submarines, naval vessels and icebreakers, the first nuclear-powered merchant ship was launched in 1959. The Savannah was funded by the US Government, as a demonstration of peaceable use of nuclear energy rather than as a source of revenue or to show off clean credentials.

Although three other nuclear powered commercial vessels were subsequently built, there was considerable resistance to any wider adoption of nuclear power. These were mainly on grounds of building and operating costs, which in the case of Savannah, were significantly higher than similarly-sized conventional ships, but also on the uncertainties around decommissioning and the safety concerns which prevented access to some countries’ ports.

With the present focus on emissions and the environment, nuclear powered ships are being re-examined as a zero-emission option, despite the original concerns still being present. Lloyd’s Register recently released a study, Fuel for Thought: Nuclear, which concluded that nuclear power could transform the maritime industry with emissions-free shipping, whilst extending the life cycle of vessels and removing the uncertainty of fuel and refuelling infrastructure development, but regulation and safety considerations must still be addressed for widespread commercial adoption.