RINA, Fincantieri and newcleo to study nuclear propulsion

The feasibility study will explore the deployment of newcleo’s LFR (Lead-cooled Fast Reactor) for naval propulsion which involves placing a closed mini reactor on vessels as a small nuclear battery producing a 30MW electric output.

As the company claims, employing this technology would require infrequent refuelling (only once every 10-15 years), very limited maintenance and easy replacement at end of life.

newcleo’s ambition is to contribute to accelerating decarbonisation and providing clean, sustainable and affordable energy to meet the needs of communities and businesses. I look forward to the results of the feasibility study and the next steps of the project.

… said Stefano Buono, newcleo Chairman and CEO

Although nuclear energy has the potential to provide a decarbonization option for shipping, its broad usage has been constrained by the technical, financial, and regulatory difficulties connected with it.

Nuclear power holds enormous potential and, as such, it needs the best expertise to be expressed, and we are proud to join with partners like newcleo and Rina to help get this done.

… said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri

Alas, as pressure rises, nuclear propulsion is gaining popularity among stakeholders as a means to reduce GHG emissions and protect the marine environment. ABS, for instance, was also involved in a study on nuclear reactors, regarding a container carrier. 

In order to reach the targets fixed for this industry, we need alternative fuels with low carbon content from well to waste. Nuclear will be one of the answers to these objectives.

… said Ugo Salerno, Chairman and CEO of RINA