Lloyd’s Register (LR) is working with US company Deployable Energy to advance the safe use of micro-nuclear reactor technology to power ships.
LR Advisory has been guiding the development of Deployable Energy’s Unity Nuclear Battery, a compact, factory-built micro-reactor designed to deliver safe, zero-emission power, for a wide range of applications. By replacing traditional marine fuels, the technology has the potential to reduce emissions, increase vessel efficiency and extend time at sea without refuelling.
A recent technical workshop led by LR brought together experts from across its classification, safety assurance and advisory teams to assess the steps needed to align the Unity technology with international safety standards and regulatory expectations. The discussions focused on the critical safety case and licensing requirements that will underpin regulatory approval for nuclear propulsion on vessels.
Early collaboration with LR ensures that safety, integration and regulatory challenges are addressed from the outset, establishing a clear pathway to approval and accelerating the route to commercial deployment. LR Advisory says its involvement can make sure regulatory, safety and integration challenges are addressed from the outset, creating a pathway to certification and accelerating the route to commercial deployment.
Mark Tipping, Global Power to X Director, LR, said: “Deployable Energy’s technology is designed with a focus on practicality, using Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel, industry proven materials, and a factory-built, modular approach. These features directly address key barriers to adoption and align with the safety and reliability expectations of classification and regulatory frameworks. Our LR Advisory team works closely with Deployable Energy to ensure these innovations translate into a robust, certifiable solution for the maritime industry.”
Bobby Gallagher, CEO Deployable Energy, added: “We are excited to be working with Lloyd’s Register in the development of future capabilities of nuclear-powered ships. Their wealth of experience and desire to continue innovating provide an unmatched foundation as we move toward certifying practical, zero-emission nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.”
Deployable Energy and LR will continue to refine safety case development, risk assessments and qualification milestones to prepare for pilot maritime deployments by 2030.
Image: Unity micro-reactor (source: Deployable Energy)
