ABS, U.S. Energy Department Team Up on Nuclear-Powered Ships

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) have signed an agreement to advance the use of nuclear power in commercial shipping, including nuclear-powered vessels,...

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Photo caption (L to R): Ted Garrish, United States Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, and John McDonald, ABS Chairman and CEO The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) have signed an agreement to advance the use of nuclear power in commercial shipping, including nuclear-powered vessels, floating power plants and the infrastructure needed to support them.

The memorandum of understanding, signed with DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, establishes a framework for joint work on advanced nuclear technologies and their potential maritime applications.

The effort will also examine what would be required to develop a U.S.

shipbuilding industry capable of constructing, operating and maintaining nuclear-powered vessels and offshore facilities.

Under the agreement, ABS and DOE will pursue concept and feasibility studies covering floating nuclear power systems and nuclear transportation corridors.

The work will also address technical, regulatory, economic and policy challenges that have so far limited the commercial adoption of nuclear technology at sea.

“Advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to application, and the maritime industry needs to be ready for it,” said ABS Chairman and CEO John McDonald.

“This agreement with DOE reflects the depth of work already underway and provides a framework to go further,” McDonald added.

Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.

Photo caption (L to R): Ted Garrish, United States Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, and John McDonald, ABS Chairman and CEO The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) have signed an agreement to advance the use of nuclear power in commercial shipping, including nuclear-powered vessels, floating power plants and the infrastructure needed to support them.

The memorandum of understanding, signed with DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, establishes a framework for joint work on advanced nuclear technologies and their potential maritime applications.

The effort will also examine what would be required to develop a U.S.

shipbuilding industry capable of constructing, operating and maintaining nuclear-powered vessels and offshore facilities.