ABS Supports Study Assessing the Economics of Nuclear-Powered LNG Carriers
A joint study with ABS, Blossom Energy and a global shipping company found that while the initial investment for a nuclear-powered liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier would be approximately 2.5 times that of a conventional LNG carrier, the design would substantially reduce fuel costs over the vessel’s operating life. Presented at Gastech 2026, the study ...
ABS has backed a study that evaluates the economic implications of nuclear-powered liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. The research, conducted in collaboration with Blossom Energy and a major shipping company, revealed that while the initial purchase price of a nuclear-powered LNG carrier would be about 2.5 times higher than a standard LNG carrier, the vessel's fuel expenses would decrease significantly over its operational lifetime.
The joint study focused on a 174,000 cubic meters LNG carrier powered by a 20-25 megawatt high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) being developed by Blossom Energy. Comparing the nuclear-powered design with a conventional LNG-fueled vessel, the study analyzed vessel design, propulsion systems, and operating conditions. Additionally, it examined potential regulatory penalties to provide a comprehensive economic assessment.
Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the study, stating that nuclear energy could fundamentally transform the economics of commercial shipping, from vessel design to long-term operating costs. He highlighted that ABS is proud to support such studies that move the industry from theoretical concepts to a clearer understanding of nuclear propulsion's practical benefits.
Shimpei Hamamoto, CEO of Blossom Energy, emphasized the value of the study in providing a quantitative basis for discussing nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping. Blossom Energy had provided its HTGR reference design to the research team, and the company pledged to continue working with ABS and industry partners to establish the technical and regulatory groundwork necessary for practical implementation.
The study also considered a business model treating the reactor as a long-term energy asset, which could be reused on a second vessel after the initial one reached the end of its service life. This approach factored into the vessel's residual value, demonstrating the potential long-term economic advantages of nuclear-powered LNG carriers.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
