Core Power has initiated a research project to analyze the viability of mounting small modular reactors onto ocean vessels.The enterprise is examining how to install the mPower reactor design, developed by BWX Technologies, into ship-constructed vessels known as floating nuclear power plants. 

“We’re building, integrating and deploying ship-based nuclear energy systems that deliver reliable power where industry and nations need it most,” said Mikal Bøe, CEO of Core Power. “We are focused on commercial delivery, from vessels and infrastructure to kilowatts consumed and industries powered.”

This evaluation focuses on mapping out the legal compliance requirements, the physical engineering adjustments, and the financial structures needed to make these mobile energy stations functional. 

By moving the assembly process out of standard construction fields and entirely into industrialized ship docks, the participating organizations aim to stabilize production schedules and sidestep the delays typically associated with land-based civil infrastructure.

“This assessment of the mPower technology is a significant step in our strategy to accelerate the design of our fully modular floating nuclear power plants,” added Bøe.

Shift in energy delivery methods

Traditional electrical grids face growing pressure as power consumption rises faster than the construction of new utility facilities. Developing standard land-based atomic plants often requires navigating lengthy local zoning laws, extensive environmental reviews, and complex site preparation schedules. 

Marine-assembled energy units are being considered as an alternative method to bypass these regional bottlenecks. Once constructed, these self-contained power vessels can be towed across waterways to moor near coastal cities, industrial zones, or remote territories experiencing severe energy deficits.

The scope of this current research phase encompasses several foundational stages of project development. Engineers are establishing protocols for baseline data sharing and creating a unified concept of operations. 

The teams will also detail specific marine architecture demands and execute an extensive financial evaluation to confirm whether the cost per kilowatt justifies continued development.

“Electric power demand is rapidly outstripping supply. Markets that need reliable electricity cannot wait for conventional infrastructure timelines,” concluded Bøe.

“The United States has the nuclear expertise, the industrial base and the maritime heritage to lead this market. CORE POWER’s role is to combine those strengths and accelerate the path from technology to product.”

Technical specifications of the reactor

The selected reactor mechanism, designated as a Generation III+ integral pressurized water system, was engineered to supply two distinct forms of utility. A single unit is capable of generating 195 megawatts of electrical power for standard grid distribution.

The core outputs 575 megawatts of thermal energy, which can be diverted for specialized industrial processes like heavy manufacturing or water desalination.

Under the current arrangement, Core Power is financing the initial exploratory work. The business is applying its existing background in maritime logistics, vessel assembly, and nautical systems integration to adapt the technology for aquatic environments. BWX Technologies is contributing to the core reactor blueprint itself.

The data gathered during this preliminary investigation will decide whether the firms progress to detailed engineering layouts, formal applications with maritime and atomic regulatory bodies, or the establishment of joint corporate entities to oversee physical production.

Lloyd’s Register has granted a Type Approval Certificate for a marine engine that runs entirely on hydrogen fuel using a spark-ignition system. The classification society issued this specific certification to BeHydro after concluding that the machinery complies with all regulatory standards regarding operational performance, safety parameters, and mechanical reliability. 

“For shipowners and operators, independent certification is essential in building confidence that emerging fuel technologies can meet the industry’s expectations for safety, reliability and operational performance,” said Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director, Lloyd’s Register.

This mechanical design operates exclusively on a hydrogen and eliminates the need for conventional pilot fossil fuels during operation. By removing the need for a secondary fuel source, the architecture reduces the total number of subsystems required on board a vessel. 

The configuration stops the generation of carbon compounds during the combustion process, presenting a clear mechanical option for fleet operators seeking alternatives to carbon-heavy propulsion plants.

To serve as a practical alternative

According to Lloyd’s Register representatives, the issuance of the official certificate indicates that internal combustion machinery using hydrogen fuel has advanced to a stage where it can serve as a practical alternative in industrial shipping. 

For maritime companies and vessel operators, receiving a third-party validation of this nature serves as a necessary benchmark to confirm that the mechanical systems will perform according to technical expectations during routine service.

The certified machinery line covers a power spectrum ranging from a minimum of 900 kilowatts to a maximum of 2670 kilowatts. This capacity allows the units to be deployed across multiple maritime segments, functioning either as the primary propulsion unit or configured alongside an electrical generator to provide auxiliary onboard power.

Management at ABC Engines stated that the formal certification validates the technological framework of the hardware line for shipowners globally. Beyond standard maritime environments, the engineering parameters make the power units adaptable for alternative industrial uses. 

Operational integration for sustainability

The mechanical systems are built to tolerate small amounts of impurities inside the incoming hydrogen gas stream, meaning they can be integrated into heavy stationary power generation facilities or land-based railway transport networks.

The combustion cycle of these units does not produce standard maritime pollutants, completely preventing the release of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, or particulate soot into the atmosphere. The resulting exhaust gas consists solely of water vapor mixed with regular atmospheric air.

The manufacturing process for these power plants does not require the use of rare or highly limited mineral resources. The supply chain excludes materials such as lithium, zinc, cobalt, platinum, and various rare-earth elements. This material selection avoids the environmental damage associated with mining operations for rare minerals. 

The mechanical design relies on traditional engineering principles to extend the operational lifespan of the components, which simplifies the regular maintenance procedures carried out by crew members. Consequently, the reduced maintenance complexity lowers the long-term operational expenditures and reduces the total downtime for vessel owners.