Modeling and Simulation of Different Case Scenarios of a Nuclear Power Generation Installed on Different Types of Vessels: Identification and Classification
The global maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions and transition toward sustainable energy solutions. Nuclear propulsion—particularly through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors—has emerged as a promising option for long-haul commercial vessels. This research evaluates and classifies the feasibility of nuclear-powered shipping across different vessel types.
The study addresses key challenges in nuclear marinization, including structural resilience under ship motion, reactor selection suited for maritime conditions, and compatibility with diverse power demands and fuel cycles. The adaptability of candidate technologies—such as High-Temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGR), Lead-cooled Fast Reactors (LFR), and Molten Salt Reactors (MSR)—was systematically analyzed.
Modeling and simulation for radiation shielding, neutronic assessments using Standardized Computer Analyses for Licensing Evaluation (SCALE) and Cross-Section-Driven Discrete Ordinates Neutron (XSDRN), and integration was completed with advanced Brayton cycle systems.
Key findings include:
LFRs offer unmatched longevity (10–25 years) with passive safety under maritime conditions.
Microreactors such as Westinghouse's eVinci™ show millisecond-scale response times ideal for dynamic port operations and autonomous vessels.
The work also identifies several integration challenges such as containment vessel adaptation, marine-grade fuel cycle logistics, and the need for international port regulatory harmonization.
Experts at Texas A&M in the marine nuclear field continue to support industry adoption of nuclear technologies by developing best-engineering practices for shipboard nuclear power systems. Ongoing research includes:
- Reactor core fueling cycle/ship life matching
- Lifecycle considerations for reactor types and ship types.
- Operational impacts (benefits/advantages) of nuclear refueling.
- Modeling/simulation assessments to validate the above.
- Technical information on types of nuclear technologies, considerations of risks and mitigation, and the interface between vessel systems and nuclear system.
- Develop and test an autonomous framework for safety-related and risk assessments of various reactor types for different vessel classes, specifically for application in the nuclear-powered merchant maritime industry.
- Both safety-related and non-safety-related events, as well as scenarios that require special treatment, all while aligning with the safety protocols and classification standards of the maritime industry.
- The project is working to ensure that nuclear safety principles are seamlessly integrated with maritime safety requirements, supporting the development of nuclear-powered commercial vessels.