SHI SIGNS DEAL TO DEVELOP NUCLEAR-POWERED VESSELS

The project targets the development of MSR-based power barges to provide electric power to shore for use in the electric grid or hydrogen production, as well as nuclear-powered vessels.

The Motorship notes that the Southeast Asian market is seen as a potential export market for the technology. Russia’s Rosatom has been in negotiations with the Cambodian government around exporting its floating nuclear barge technology to the region.

Unlike Russia’s power barge, the SHI technology is based on a newer small molten salt reactor technology. The technology addresses safety concerns about the potential for radioactive discharges, as the liquid molten salt fuel can be solidified in an emergency, proponents argue. The fuel source has a shorter operational life than traditional nuclear-reactor powered vessels, estimated at between 20-24 years, but would be aligned with the operational lifespan of many vessels.

Under the agreement, SHI will actively participating in the design of small MSR-based power barges, as well as the development of solutions and equipment, such as heat exchangers, for the MSR technology.

The agreement includes the development of techno-economic evaluations of the economic potential of nuclear power barges, as well as the development of a business model, including performance verification criteria.