The project could support the case for using nuclear energy in water. Image Credit: Bluecore

US-based nuclear energy firm Bluecore Energy has secured low-enriched uranium as it advances development of a nuclear power system for maritime applications.

The company purchased uranium hexafluoride (UF6) enriched to 4.95% uranium-235 through nuclear fuel intermediary WMC, the firm said in a press release on Tuesday.

The material is being held at a US nuclear fuel facility outside California.

Bluecore plans to use the material for future fuel fabrication, testing and validation. Before it can be used in a reactor, UF6 must be converted into uranium dioxide and fabricated into fuel.

The purchase comes as the company works to advance its technology beyond reactor design and non-fuelled hardware development.

Bluecore began pre-application engagement with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission in August, presenting an overview of its design and discussing its regulatory strategy.

The company is also engaging with the US Coast Guard on requirements for future maritime deployment.

In June, Bluecore received an approval in principle from the classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its floating nuclear power plant design. The assessment outlined technical requirements to be addressed as the design progresses.

Nuclear power is being explored as an option for reducing emissions from commercial shipping.

However, the technology's adoption in commercial shipping will depend on safety, regulatory and technical requirements.

Bluecore project could support the case for the use of nuclear energy in water.

US has been leading several projects to explore the use of nuclear energy in commercial shipping with backing authorities.