Posted on February 26, 2025
New nuclear reactor technology represents a once in a generation opportunity for US industrial policy according to ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki, who believes vessels propelled by advanced small modular reactors (SMR) could act as a catalyst for the revitalisation of US shipbuilding.
Wiernicki added that the next step is development of a marinized SMR demonstrator.
“It is a key transformational technology,” said Wiernicki. “It changes the commercial model, the economics of shipping, the operation of the vessels and their design.
“So, while it is a global story, this is also a domestic US story, bringing together national energy and economic security and acting as a catalyst for new industrial policy amid the reinvigoration of US shipbuilding.
“New nuclear can be highly competitive. The economics are compelling over the life of a vessel when you account for fuel differentials, the cost of compliance and residual value, it costs roughly the same as fossil options,” he added.
He explained that SMR technology was a huge opportunity for US shipbuilding but there remained much work to support its adoption.
“New nuclear could be US shipbuilding’s secret weapon, but we need to invest in the technology, and we need a new nuclear playbook to make it happen.
“We have to separate the commercial approach from the military and land-based applications from marine and enhance public engagement and education.”
Regulation and licensing are going to be key to unlocking new nuclear’s potential.
“Current regulations are designed for large land-based reactors, specific technologies and domestic deployment. So, we need to look at the regulatory gaps and develop a dedicated framework to support SMRs and a global collaboration for international licensing standards.”
