ABS: Adoption of nuclear propulsion will depend on commercial nuclear corridors

30 Sept 2025

"Nuclear energy is becoming a viable, workable, and scalable answer for a variety of strategic applications, thus it is no longer just a pipe dream for maritime applications. It is a viable long-term alternative due to its unparalleled energy density, dependability, and strategic independence, in addition to its potential to lower emissions."

At the recent ARGO Conference in Athens, Greece, hosted by CORE POWER, the ABS Chairman Wiernicki delivered that message to the industry.

Noting that advanced reactor technologies, strong standards being pieced together by Classification Societies, purpose-built testing facilities, changing regulatory frameworks, and an increasing desire for public-private collaborations are all coming together in the marine and energy industries.

"There are feasibility studies in progress. Interest in investing is rising. Additionally, the timing, which was previously unclear, is now becoming clear," Wiernicki continued. "And we now see a clear roadmap in maritime applications: This journey starts with shoreside applications, such as powering ports and producing hydrogen, and moves offshore through desalination systems, floating data centres, and platforms for synthetic fuel, before ending with domestic nuclear-powered commercial vessels and finally the global fleet."

Wiernicki concluded by emphasising that the adoption of nuclear propulsion will depend heavily on commercial nuclear corridors. "Vessels fueled by small modular reactors are expected to operate initially on strictly defined corridors between two nations with mature regulatory oversight agencies and favourable acceptance of nuclear electricity," Wiernicki stated. In order to fully utilise nuclear technology in commercial shipping, commercial nuclear corridors may be the fundamental infrastructure required. This would allow for safe deployment, regulatory alignment, and scalable integration across the energy, data, and logistics ecosystems.