Babcock International Group's Marine Division has completed a
study to investigate the commercial implications of developing a
nuclear-powered LNG carrier - a move that would be a first for LNG
vessels. Among its findings, the study has identified that recently
updated legislation and available classification society rules
allow for a fresh approach to the design of nuclear powered
vessels.
The study has been undertaken at a time when the maritime
industry has shown renewed interest in nuclear powered commercial
ships. The first nuclear propulsion in merchant ships was
introduced in the 1960s, following successful exploitation in
submarines and aircraft carriers, but while these were technically
successful, they were commercially less so. Recently, however, a
number of factors have led to a renaissance in interest. These
include environmental concerns (notably over CO2 emissions and
other air pollutants), and the rising price of fossil fuel
(beginning to make nuclear power far more competitive), along with
the development of nuclear propulsion that has been on-going over
the years (largely centred on icebreakers but also including other
merchant ship types) with recent papers concluding that the
adoption of nuclear propulsion for high speed container ships is
technically feasible. According to Lloyd's Register, some 600 or so
nuclear reactors are operating in the world today, of which
approximately one third are serving at sea.
Babcock's high level study was undertaken to determine the
commercial feasibility of utilising nuclear power for the main
propulsion and auxiliary power generation on board an LNG carrier.
The company believes that a number of benefits could be realised by
the use of nuclear powered vessels for LNG. Low emissions is one of
these, as the nuclear plant would eliminate CO2, NOx and SOx
emissions. Additionally, the vessel's large power generation
requirements would be supplied by a relatively compact power source
compared to normal power methods for this vessel type - a space
saving that would maximise cargo capacity. Further benefits would
include the significant reduction in noise generation, reducing the
environmental impact of the vessel.
Babcock's comprehensive investigation and report covered a
breadth of key aspects relating to nuclear vessels. These ranged
from engineering and design issues, recent technical developments,
and statutory regulations, to operational aspects, through-life
maintenance, training requirements, and vessel disposal.
Babcock's unique combination of deep technical knowledge and
relevant experience in this field means it is ideally placed to
have carried out this study. The company's Integrated Technology
arm within the Marine division has many years' experience in
complex vessel concept work and on LNG projects. Further, Babcock's
Marine division is the sole UK in-service support contractor for
the Royal Navy's nuclear submarine flotilla, undertaking refits and
upgrades, supporting operational submarines, and providing
engineering design and technical support services. Babcock experts
in ship design, nuclear plant systems installation, maintenance,
and decommissioning were involved in undertaking this feasibility
study.
Babcock's Integrated Technology commercial projects director
David Dobson said that the study indicates that particular routes
and cargoes lend themselves well to the nuclear propulsion option,
and that technological advances in reactor design and manufacture
have made the option more appealing. It has also confirmed
significant benefits in terms of environmental impact and
sustainability. Further, in reviewing the latest updated
legislation, it is evident that newly issued design codes from
Lloyds Register allow the design of nuclear powered vessels to be
re-visited. On the other hand, initial capital costs are high
(although they will reduce significantly when more applications for
commercially produced marine reactors are found) and commercially
available building and maintenance facilities would need to be
established if significant numbers of these ships were to be
planned.
"Nuclear power for commercial vessels is becoming significantly
more attractive on a number of counts, not least from an
environmental perspective, but there are a great many issues to
weigh and consider in determining the feasibility of nuclear
propulsion for any commercial vessel," Dobson says. "Our knowledge
and experience puts us in a particularly strong position to
identify and advise operators on these issues. We have worked with
several of the major operators in the marine and oil and gas
sectors on a number of ground-breaking developments in FPSOs and
LNG vessels over the years, and are delighted to be again
investigating new ground."