1 Aug 2025
Lloyd’s Register Chief Commercial Officer Andy McKeran highlights the growing importance of nuclear energy in shipping’s decarbonisation journey, particularly for producing e-fuels at scale. While onboard nuclear propulsion remains a distant prospect, likely not viable until 2040 or beyond, nuclear is increasingly seen as a pragmatic solution to the high costs and infrastructure challenges of scaling e-fuel supply chains. Industry attitudes toward nuclear have shifted significantly in recent years, driven by concerns over energy security and the limitations of current fuel options. Nuclear energy is now being reconsidered for both land-based and maritime applications, including powering port infrastructure and providing shore power to reduce emissions while ships are docked.
McKeran anticipates early maritime applications will involve small-scale floating or offshore nuclear power plants, with demonstration projects potentially launching by 2030. A major regulatory milestone was reached when the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee initiated efforts to update the framework for nuclear merchant ships, paving the way for advanced reactor technologies and enabling financing and insurance. However, onboard nuclear propulsion would require fixed trade routes and long-term ownership models, making it unsuitable for all vessel types. Public perception remains a significant barrier, with communities wary of nuclear-powered ships entering ports. McKeran compares this to early resistance to LNG, suggesting that public education and engagement will be key to broader acceptance. Overall, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a vital component of the maritime energy mix, especially for enabling scalable, cost-effective e-fuel production.