The shipping industry contributes to 3% of carbon dioxide emissions into the earth's atmosphere each year. So there have been several efforts to green this industry with the development of electric propulsion systems, kite power and restoring more modern sail power. Lloyd's Register, CORE POWER and Maersk want to solve this pollution issue by developing nuclear powered cargo ships.
Studies looking at the use of nuclear-powered cargo ships from a safety point of view and their use will be carried out by all three companies and achieve zero carbon emission targets. CORE POWER will use their expertise to develop a fourth generation nuclear reactor that is safer to use. Maersk will share their extensive experience in the shipping and logistics industry.
Nuclear-powered cargo ships are currently only used by Russia to supply supplies to the often-frozen northern regions. Prior to that in the 60s, the NS Savannah was used by the United States to see if it was compatible. The Savannah service was discontinued in 1971 due to high operating costs, as well as safety concerns. Last year, the Jiangnan Shipyard company from China showed the concept of a thorium molten salt reactor (MSR) nuclear powered cargo ship.