Considerations for Maritime Nuclear Technologies, Economic Viability and Public Acceptance

Mukhi, Sanjay Haresh [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)]; Fielding, Marvin W. [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)]

doi:10.2172/3399434

DOE OSTI · 3399434

Considerations for Maritime Nuclear Technologies, Economic Viability and Public Acceptance

Mukhi, Sanjay Haresh [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)]·Fielding, Marvin W. [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)]

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Abstract

The Maritime Nuclear Application Group (MNAG) is a working group convened by the National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the American Bureau of Shipping, and Morgan, Lewis, and Bockius LLP. This report documents an MNAG examination of considerations relevant to implementing nuclear technology in commercial maritime applications. In general, two types of use case are examined: maritime nuclear power plants and nuclear reactors used on board shipping vessels for propulsion and other ship needs. The report finds that there may be economic benefits related to maritime nuclear technologies, including the flexible deployment of maritime nuclear reactors, which would allow them to complement land-based nuclear projects, and operational differences for nuclear cargo ships that may lead to an overall increase in revenue. High-level analyses in this report show that, based on general small modular reactor and microreactor cost estimates developed by INL, maritime nuclear reactors may be economically competitive for electricity production in remote regions and for use in the propulsion of large cargo ships. Besides economic viability, public acceptance will be key to implementing maritime nuclear technologies. The report discusses the public’s current perception of nuclear technologies. Engaging with the public will be important to improving this perception. The report discusses some key benefits and risks associated with maritime nuclear technologies. Benefits include the creation of jobs, the production of reliable energy, and the potential to improve air quality. Risks that concern the public are the potential for radioactive releases during operation and decommissioning, as well as those related to waste management. Communicating the benefits and the risks of maritime nuclear technologies will be essential to improving public perception.

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22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS 22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS 29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY 29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY Maritime Nuclear Application Economics Maritime Nuclear Application Group Maritime Nuclear Applications Maritime Nuclear Applications Group MNAG National Reactor Innovation Center NRIC

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Mukhi, Sanjay Haresh [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)], Fielding, Marvin W. [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)]. 2025-09-17. Considerations for Maritime Nuclear Technologies, Economic Viability and Public Acceptance. https://doi.org/10.2172/3399434

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22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS subject 22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS subject 29 - ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY AND ECONOMY subject 29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY subject MNAG subject Maritime Nuclear Application Economics subject Maritime Nuclear Application Group subject Maritime Nuclear Applications subject Maritime Nuclear Applications Group subject NRIC subject National Reactor Innovation Center subject

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