ABS Launches First Regulations for Floating Nuclear Power Plants at Industry Forum

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) introduced the industry’s first comprehensive regulations for floating nuclear power plants at a forum attended by nuclear industry executives and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The event, held at ABS’s headquarters in Texas, featured presentations on the latest reactor technologies and the unveiling of a detailed study by ABS and Herbert Engineering modeling the design, operations, and emissions of floating nuclear power plants.

ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki emphasized the potential for nuclear energy in the maritime sector to optimize energy production, maintain grid reliability, and support decarbonization efforts. The release of the ABS requirements for nuclear energy systems for marine and offshore applications establishes the first classification notation for facilities like floating nuclear power plants, allowing for regulatory oversight and collaboration with nuclear regulators and flag administrations.

The event also focused on the regulatory landscape for nuclear power plants and included workshops with offshore industry leaders to address operational challenges of floating nuclear power technology. Collaboration between the INL and industry partners like ABS aims to test and demonstrate advanced reactor technologies, delivering low-carbon, affordable, and reliable nuclear energy solutions. ABS’s significant role in advancing nuclear technology for commercial shipping includes research with the U.S. Department of Energy and projects to qualify new technologies for industry use.

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