Adoption of nuclear energy in shipping has been hindered by safety and regulatory concerns. File Image / Pixabay

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has launched a new nuclear-ready notation designed for marine and offshore assets that may be converted to nuclear energy in the future.

The notation provides a framework for owners, designers and shipbuilders to incorporate nuclear conversion considerations at the design stage, ABS said in a statement on its website on Thursday.

According to ABS, the notation is intended to preserve long-term flexibility, reduce the risk of costly redesigns later in an asset's life cycle and demonstrate that future nuclear conversion requirements have been addressed.

Assets operating on conventional power systems, including diesel-electric and battery-electric arrangements, can use the notation to prepare for potential future adoption of nuclear technology.

ABS said readiness assessments may cover space allocation, structural arrangements, system interfaces, safety features and other design elements needed to support a future nuclear conversion.

While nuclear energy has been used in naval vessels, its adoption in commercial shipping has been hindered by regulatory and safety concerns.

ABS has been involved in various projects to support the adoption of nuclear technology in commercial shipping. In March, the company announced a joint project with HD Hyundai to study the conceptual design of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for container ships.

Also, this year, IMO's sub-committee announced it has started work to develop a safety framework to support the use of nuclear technologies in shipping.

ABS’ Guide for Nuclear Ready Applications for Marine and Offshore can be downloaded from here.