US shipbuilding could be boosted by small modular reactors: ABS

Christopher J. Wiernicki, chairman and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), said that small modular reactors (SMRs) could be a catalyst for US shipbuilding.

In order to advance the technology for commercial usage, Wiernicki underlined the necessity of a marinized SMR demonstration. Recently, ABS issued a statement calling the new nuclear reactor technology ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity that the US industrial policy can work on. In the announcement, Wiernicki pointed out that SMR technology might improve national energy and economic security while also altering the economics, operations, and design of vessels.

Wiernicki did note that there is still a lot of work to be done to encourage the use of SMR. He demanded funding for the technology and creation of a marine-specific regulatory framework. Regulations now in place must be changed to accommodate maritime use because they are intended for massive land-based reactors.

Globally, the drive for SMR technology has accelerated. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering of South Korea said earlier this month that it would be collaborating with Core Power of the United Kingdom and Southern Company and TerraPower of the United States to create an SMR for marine applications. The project is in line with larger international initiatives to investigate commercial nuclear-powered ships.