Core Power is promoting nuclear-powered ships as a solution to pollution and slow vessel speeds, but fragmented regulation and safety concerns remain major hurdles, reports the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

Chairman and CEO Mikal Boe said nuclear energy offers abundant clean power at competitive prices and predicted it will become mainstream. He estimated an 11,000 TEU nuclear vessel could run at 30 knots for 25 years without refuelling, with lifetime costs of US$500 million compared with US$400 million for conventional ships.

Regulators are beginning to address nuclear shipping. The IMO and IAEA are working on frameworks, while Lloyd's Register highlighted the ATLAS project to bridge gaps in maritime nuclear standards. Current rules were designed for pressurised water reactors, not modern small reactors such as molten chloride fast reactors developed by TerraPower.

DNV's White Paper outlined challenges including collision protection, recovery after sinking, sabotage risks and emergency shutdowns. It proposed a licensee role with long-term responsibility for nuclear installations, safety and financial stability. Environmental impacts of uranium mining and fuel production must also be considered.

Core Power's Charlotte Vere questioned reliance on carbon levies to make alternative fuels viable, contrasting nuclear's potential. The World Nuclear Association noted in situ leaching can reduce environmental impact but requires strict safeguards to protect water supplies.

Costs for decommissioning, nuclear waste storage, crew training and insurance premiums must be factored into budgets. Mr Boe argued full production of nuclear-powered ships could begin by 2040, though critics say this would be too late to significantly cut shipping emissions before the IMO's 2050 net zero target.