World News
Norway Pushes Nuclear Propulsion for Commercial Shipping
Norway is emerging as a key centre for the development of nuclear-powered commercial shipping, according to the Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU).
Two demonstration projects for a nuclear-powered LNG tanker and an offshore vessel are now underway, involving Knutsen OAS and vessel operator Island Offshore, alongside research conducted under the NuProShip programme, it said in an email statement on Tuesday.
Jan Emblemsvag, professor at NTNU’s Department of Ocean Operations and Civil Engineering in Alesund, said the main barriers are no longer technical but regulatory, commercial and political.
Recent work has focused on Generation IV reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) in the 5-55 MW range, including molten salt, gas-cooled and liquid metal fast reactor concepts designed for different vessel types.
The feature said passive safety systems and TRISO fuel technology are being prioritised to improve reactor safety and reduce operational risks.
Industry participants including Norwegian shipbuilder VARD and classification societies DNV, ABS and Lloyd’s Register, are also studying how nuclear systems could be integrated into commercial vessel designs.
An international conference on nuclear propulsion for shipping is scheduled to take place in Alesund, Norway, on 9 June.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 963.00 | 26.00 | 1351.50 | 10.50 |
| Rotterdam | 766.00 | 3.00 | 1446.00 | 11.50 |
| Houston | 817.00 | 11.50 | 1421.00 | 1.00 |
| Fujairah | 981.00 | 12.00 | 1768.50 | 17.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 929.50 | 10.50 | 1565.00 | 13.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 882.00 | 13.50 | 1496.50 | 9.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 978.50 | 20.00 | 1616.50 | 18.50 |
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