While regulations and the global energy transition have brought a wide range of alternative fuels into the spotlight, nuclear energy has emerged as a zero-carbon option with broad potential for the marine and offshore industries.

On this episode of Setting Course, we discuss the potential for nuclear energy with Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President, Meg Dowling, ABS Technology Engineer and host John Snyder, Managing Editor of Riviera Maritime Media. Patrick and Meg provide insight into potential applications, challenges, opportunities and regulatory hurdles for nuclear energy for maritime applications.

Learn more about some of the major technology trends facing the industry at www.eagle.org/techtrends.

Key Points

• The shipping industry is considering nuclear power as an alternative fuel source to help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Nuclear power could be used in the production of alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen.
• Advanced nuclear technologies are being developed to address safety concerns and improve efficiency and performance.
• Technical challenges in commercializing nuclear propulsion for merchant ships include reactor design, manufacturing and transportation.
• Collaboration between the maritime industry and nuclear regulatory bodies is necessary to develop new regulations and support the use of nuclear power.

Guests
Patrick Ryan is Senior Vice President, Global Technology and Digital Product Development, and Chief Technology Officer for ABS. He is responsible for ABS’ technology research and development, digital product development, engineering software organizations and seven Global Technology Centers. He joined ABS in 2019. For 21 years prior, he was in various ship design, program management and engineering leadership roles at the largest shipyard in the United States.

Meg Dowling is a Senior Engineer in the Energy Transition group for ABS Americas Technology. She serves as the ABS Nuclear Programs Lead and has been involved in research and project development subjects related to sustainable shipping initiatives and alternative power options, including biofuels, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Meg received her BS in Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering from the Memorial University of Newfoundland.