Japanese companies will participate in a project led by CORE POWER from the UK to develop a floating nuclear power plant. A total of 13 companies, including Onomichi Dockyard and Imabari Shipbuilding, have invested around $80m in CORE POWER joining a raft of shipowners around the world who have decided to buy into the Mikal Bøe-led firm in recent years.
CORE POWER is in the process of developing a floating nuclear power plant featuring molten chloride fast reactors in collaboration TerraPower, Southern Company from the US and Orano of France, a nuclear fuel cycle company.
A demonstration vessel is planned for 2026 with the aim to commercialise the product by the start of the next decade.
A survey carried by the International Chamber of Shipping last week showed 9% of its C-suite members expect nuclear ships within a decade.
Speaking with Splash, Bøe said: “Floating new nuclear energy can power the production of the green fuels we need, at either ends of green corridors and offshore major port areas. We can also see a growing interest in new nuclear powered large ships with the combination of higher speeds, true zero emissions and safe port calls bringing economic and competitive benefits to stakeholders.”
