Seatransport and Deployable Energy developing nuclear power for ships

Queensland’s ship design group Seatransport and Houston-based Deployable Energy are developing nuclear power generation for several applications, including strategic response vessels in remote areas. The project is conducted in cooperation with Lloyd’s Register (LR). Using micro modular reactor (MMR) technology, two to five MMRs of 1MWe capacity each will power a 73-metre amphibious vessel designed for emergency response and disaster relief support, enabling it to operate for 8 to 10 years without refuelling. This innovation will also allow the vessel to feed power into the shore grid of affected areas.
The concept was presented at LR’s recent Australia Advisory Committee Meeting with Remko Hottentot, LR Commercial Manager – Australasia, signing the agreement with the Australian parties. According to Claudene Sharp-Patel, LR’s Global Technical Director, the group has the experience to help develop these initiatives, providing a “strong foundation” for safe, innovative, and insurable nuclear-powered shipping.