Good overview. What are your thoughts about the use of molten salt reactors (MSRs) for maritime shipping? The MSR concept has been around since the 60's, when it was invented by Dr. Alvin Weinberg at Oak Ridge National Labs. In recent years, the MSR concept has gained some traction as a separate design for SMRs. According to the Maritime Executive, The modular molten MSR delivers up to 100 MW of thermal energy at sufficient temperature to generate steam to activate turbines, which drive electrical generators. Unlike earlier nuclear technology that has to operate continually at constant power output, the molten salt reactor can rapidly adjust its power output and adapt to external demand. A single module could deliver between 4,000 and 26,000 horsepower. A three module system connected to steam power conversion could provide sufficient power to sail the largest bulk carriers and the largest container ships (or LNG) ships economically at elevated speeds, at much reduced emission levels. Bulk carriers have to reduce speed in order to limit emissions. This would not be the case with an MSR powered vessel. I understand the Chinese have already launched an MSR-powered vessel using Thorium as a fuel. https://bit.ly/3SoipHF
I am graduated marine engineer and served multiple years in the merchant fleet. That being said, your question is straight to the point. The old-school two-stroke engines are here to stay when talking about large cargo ships. Cruise liners and OSVs are another story.
Nevertheless, I expect a resurrection in interest in nuclear-powered ships in the coming decades. NS Savanah is an illustrious study case of nuclear power used for marine propulsion. Savannah used a 74 MW pressurized water reactor typically found in nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Savannah's story, however, ended because of the overcomplicated service and maintenance of the nuclear power ship.
I bet in the next 10 years, we may say, operational nuclear-powered vessel. Molten Salt Reactors seem promising; they may take marine propulsion into the 21st century. Their primary issue is the impact of radiation on reactor components because the nuclear fuel and the coolant are mixed, forming molten salt, which is highly radioactive.
Flexibility in power output management is a huge advantage. Only gas turbines can offer adaptability to massive demand shits. However, they are extremely inefficient. Simply put, fuel thirsty. So, MSR and steam turbines seem like a viable solution.
I bet the MSR, when (if) implemented, will be first implemented in container vessels. These vessels are relatively inexpensive and not overly complex, like LNG carriers. I am curious about nuclear-powered offshore service vessels. I guess they may follow the container ships as the first adopters of nuclear power.
Nuclear Marine propulsion is an extremely curious topic. Thanks again for showing interest.
Hi Mihail, Thanks for your comment. I think you are correct in your assessment of nuclear powered container ships being commercially available in the next 10 years. Thorcon, in Washington State US, is now developing a molten salt fission reactor designed for ocean vessels, which is a scaled-up version of the original MSR which ran successfully at Oak Ridge National Labs in the 60's. The nuclear island is completely changed out, about every 4 years. So, service and maintenance of the nuclear power plant is practically eliminated, since a new power plant is introduced every 4 years. The used radioactive can is then sent to a centralized processing facility for decontamination, disassembly, and refurbished. They are now working with the government of Indonesia to provide a 500 MW MSR, and are also collaborating with BV for certification of an MSR barge (https://maritime-executive.com/article/bv-joins-thorcon-project-to-certify-molten-salt-nuclear-power-barge). As part of the green environmental movement, the pressure will be on the shipbuilding industry to come up with solutions that will reduce the carbon and Sulphur pollution . As a comparison to car emissions, a single large container ship can emit as much pollution as 50M cars in a year.
Good overview. What are your thoughts about the use of molten salt reactors (MSRs) for maritime shipping? The MSR concept has been around since the 60's, when it was invented by Dr. Alvin Weinberg at Oak Ridge National Labs. In recent years, the MSR concept has gained some traction as a separate design for SMRs. According to the Maritime Executive, The modular molten MSR delivers up to 100 MW of thermal energy at sufficient temperature to generate steam to activate turbines, which drive electrical generators. Unlike earlier nuclear technology that has to operate continually at constant power output, the molten salt reactor can rapidly adjust its power output and adapt to external demand. A single module could deliver between 4,000 and 26,000 horsepower. A three module system connected to steam power conversion could provide sufficient power to sail the largest bulk carriers and the largest container ships (or LNG) ships economically at elevated speeds, at much reduced emission levels. Bulk carriers have to reduce speed in order to limit emissions. This would not be the case with an MSR powered vessel. I understand the Chinese have already launched an MSR-powered vessel using Thorium as a fuel. https://bit.ly/3SoipHF
Thanks for your excellent comment.
I am graduated marine engineer and served multiple years in the merchant fleet. That being said, your question is straight to the point. The old-school two-stroke engines are here to stay when talking about large cargo ships. Cruise liners and OSVs are another story.
Nevertheless, I expect a resurrection in interest in nuclear-powered ships in the coming decades. NS Savanah is an illustrious study case of nuclear power used for marine propulsion. Savannah used a 74 MW pressurized water reactor typically found in nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Savannah's story, however, ended because of the overcomplicated service and maintenance of the nuclear power ship.
I bet in the next 10 years, we may say, operational nuclear-powered vessel. Molten Salt Reactors seem promising; they may take marine propulsion into the 21st century. Their primary issue is the impact of radiation on reactor components because the nuclear fuel and the coolant are mixed, forming molten salt, which is highly radioactive.
Flexibility in power output management is a huge advantage. Only gas turbines can offer adaptability to massive demand shits. However, they are extremely inefficient. Simply put, fuel thirsty. So, MSR and steam turbines seem like a viable solution.
I bet the MSR, when (if) implemented, will be first implemented in container vessels. These vessels are relatively inexpensive and not overly complex, like LNG carriers. I am curious about nuclear-powered offshore service vessels. I guess they may follow the container ships as the first adopters of nuclear power.
Nuclear Marine propulsion is an extremely curious topic. Thanks again for showing interest.
Hi Mihail, Thanks for your comment. I think you are correct in your assessment of nuclear powered container ships being commercially available in the next 10 years. Thorcon, in Washington State US, is now developing a molten salt fission reactor designed for ocean vessels, which is a scaled-up version of the original MSR which ran successfully at Oak Ridge National Labs in the 60's. The nuclear island is completely changed out, about every 4 years. So, service and maintenance of the nuclear power plant is practically eliminated, since a new power plant is introduced every 4 years. The used radioactive can is then sent to a centralized processing facility for decontamination, disassembly, and refurbished. They are now working with the government of Indonesia to provide a 500 MW MSR, and are also collaborating with BV for certification of an MSR barge (https://maritime-executive.com/article/bv-joins-thorcon-project-to-certify-molten-salt-nuclear-power-barge). As part of the green environmental movement, the pressure will be on the shipbuilding industry to come up with solutions that will reduce the carbon and Sulphur pollution . As a comparison to car emissions, a single large container ship can emit as much pollution as 50M cars in a year.