Wedoany.com Report-Oct 09, The first comprehensive rules for floating NPPs have been unveiled by American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) at a forum for nuclear industry leaders held jointly with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). As well as presentations on the latest reactor technologies from leading companies the event saw publication of a detailed study from ABS and Herbert Engineering modelling the design, operation and emissions of a floating NPP.

The 70-page ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications, provides the first classification notation for nuclear power service assets such as floating nuclear power plants or nuclear-powered floating production, offloading and storage units. Uniquely, the requirements allow designers to consider any type of reactor technology and propose a framework for nuclear regulators to collaborate with Flag administrations and ABS for complete regulatory oversight and licence.

“We demonstrated today that nuclear’s potential in the maritime domain is so much more than a reactor on a ship,” said ABS Chairman & CEO Christopher J Wiernicki. “Nuclear energy can link energy demands across the electric, industrial and shipping transportation sectors to optimise energy generation and use, maintain grid reliability and support decarbonisation of shipping and industry. Not to mention its vast potential for the production of clean fuels such as e-ammonia and e-hydrogen.”

He added: “It is clear that nuclear energy has the potential to be a disruptor for the maritime industry. This is why we are proud to produce the first comprehensive rule set for the industry as an important step forward for the adoption of the technology.”