Nuclear Ship Propulsion: Powering the Future of Zero-Emission Maritime Transport

The increasing number of stakeholders engaging in nuclear ship propulsion indicates that the merchant maritime industry is eager to expand its options on net zero emissions.

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6min

2026-05-03

Recent studies from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicate that nuclear energy is experiencing a global resurgence, driven by the need for reliable, low-carbon, dispatchable power that enhances grid resilience against climate change and intermittency.1

There are growing indications that the shipping industry can add nuclear to its options for achieving net zero emissions. Recently scientists, national governments and maritime regulators have been increasingly highlighting its fast-emerging potential as a marine power source.

With a few exceptions, practically all ocean-going merchant vessels in service today run using fossil fuel-powered diesel engines which are mechanically coupled to propellers. However, this is set to change, as work continues to exploit renewably sourced versions of alternative fuels, make greater use of battery power and develop fuel cell technology - in line with International Maritime Organization goals1  for shipping to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by around 2050.

Recent developments indicate that, from 2030 onward, advanced nuclear power will join the rank of potential solutions for fleet decarbonization. Nuclear power will facilitate not only actual zero GHG-emissions for ship operations, but lifecycle emissions comparable to renewable energy.2 Furthermore, nuclear-powered ships will likely use electrically driven propulsion instead of mechanical. That will open a major new market sector with significant business opportunities for ABB as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and system integrator.

A quiet revolution

Nuclear-powered ships have an extensive history in naval and icebreaker applications. However, it has been the advent of 4th generation advanced Small Modular Reactors (SMR) which has opened the case for the use of nuclear technology also in commercial shipping. Classification societies Lloyd’s Register2, ABS3 and RINA4 have already voiced their support for the nuclear option. In our previous articles5 we have also highlighted ship concept projects in the public domain.

In one indication of market sentiment, nuclear ship propulsion featured as a headline topic at several London International Shipping Week events in September 2025, and became a frequent talking point for financiers, owners, consultants and insurers discussing new fuels.

Intense work has been going on behind the scenes at ABB for several years to ensure that nuclear-electric propulsion can become a realistic option for commercial shipping. Customer interest is coming from every angle – from owners, class, yards, designers and operators. An early start on nuclear ship system and propulsion design puts ABB Marine & Ports in a strong, front-running position.

Cross-functional collaboration

In September 2025, ABB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swedish nuclear energy company Blykalla to support and accelerate the deployment of small modular lead-cooled reactors to the maritime industry. The agreement builds on the terms of a 2024 MoU between ABB and Blykalla which targets developing small modular reactor (SMR) technology to support Sweden’s clean energy requirements.

Blykalla’s Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER) is a highly compact, passively safe reactor with inherent safety features ensuring stability even without external control. SEALER is also one of three reactors identified in the Nuclear Propulsion for Merchant Ships I (NuProShip I) project, which aims to adapt a 4th generation SMR to the requirements of maritime vessels – in particular, larger ships. 

Blykalla’s SEALER reactor

Blykalla’s SEALER reactor

Collaboration between Blykalla and ABB will be a unique opportunity to lead the way in maritime nuclear propulsion – a solution uniquely positioned to meet the sector’s demand for clean energy.

The way forward

We will aim for the new market sector by maturing nuclear-electric maritime technology and working with other maritime stakeholders. Work is ongoing to develop electric propulsion up to and beyond the limits conventional combustion engines currently place on propulsion power for ultra-large containerships. Internal work also involves clarifying the upper limits and discussing the implications for control technology and marine automation.

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