Core Power, the UK nuclear technology firm, has recently launched the Liberty Programme to transform the maritime sector with advanced nuclear technology. This “US-anchored” initiative plans to introduce floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) by the mid-2030s. It was announced at the New Nuclear for Maritime Summit in Houston, Texas, on February 12.
Liberty will create rules and a supply chain for modular nuclear reactors in maritime settings. Core Power plans to leverage shipbuilding skills for mass production of FNPPs. They also intend to add nuclear propulsion for commercial vessels later.
Core Power CEO Mikal Bøe noted,
“Liberty will deliver resilient energy security for heavy industry and ocean transport. It will revolutionize the maritime sector and transform global trade.”
Core Power Plans Mass Production of Floating Nuclear Power Plants
As per the press release, The first phase of the Liberty Programme will focus on building FNPPs in shipyards. It will use modular assembly lines similar to traditional shipbuilding. This method ensures efficiency and cuts costs. It also makes use of a skilled workforce. FNPPs will be designed as power barges, able to moor at ports, coastal areas, or anchors offshore.
Key benefits of FNPPs
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FNPPs will use advanced nuclear technologies, like molten salt reactors.
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These reactors are safer than traditional ones and run at near-atmospheric pressure.
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Their design reduces overheating risks and boosts safety, insurability, and efficiency.
Nuclear Propulsion for the Maritime Industry
The second phase of Liberty will introduce nuclear propulsion to civil ships, offering major advantages. These vessels will run on a single fuel load for their entire lifespan, cutting fuel costs and emissions. With less frequent refueling, operational costs will be lower. They will also produce no greenhouse gases or air pollutants, making them environmentally friendly. Improved speed and efficiency will allow for larger cargo loads and shorter transit times, enhancing global trade.
Core Power is collaborating with top nuclear technology developers to customize reactors for maritime use. The company plans to start taking orders for FNPPs in 2028 and begin full-scale commercialization by the mid-2030s.
The company is focusing on three areas to ensure a smooth transition to nuclear-powered maritime operations:
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Supply Chain Development – Training a skilled workforce and securing nuclear fuel supply.
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Business Operations – Developing commercial models for FNPP production and deployment.
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Regulatory Frameworks – Collaborating with global organizations like the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to establish safety standards.
The program also aims to create a civil liability convention for nuclear-powered ships, ensuring regulatory alignment with technological advancements. By leveraging the U.S.’s strong nuclear regulatory frameworks, Core Power seeks to facilitate worldwide FNPP deployment.
Unlocking a $2.6 Trillion Floating Power Market
Core Power estimates the Liberty Programme will open a $2.6 trillion market for floating power. With 65% of global economic activity along coastlines, FNPPs could provide reliable, clean energy for industries and communities worldwide.
Bøe said,
“The Liberty program will unlock a floating power market worth $2.6tn, and shipyard construction of nuclear will deliver on time and on budget. Given that 65% of economic activity takes place on the coast, this will allow nuclear to reach new markets.”
Proven Concept, New Approach
Nuclear-powered ships have been around since the 1950s, successfully operating in harsh marine environments. However, their reactors are designed for military use and cannot be commercially insured. Traditional pressurized reactors require large Emergency Planning Zones (EPZs) to manage accident risks, making them unsuitable for commercial deployment near populated areas.
Modern FNPPs eliminate these challenges. Their designs ensure minimal EPZs, often confined within the ship’s hull. This allows them to generate power near populated regions safely, supporting clean energy goals.
By leveraging modular shipyard production, FNPPs can be deployed rapidly, minimizing environmental impact while providing stable energy for ports, remote locations, and offshore industries.
Floating Nuclear Power: A Game Changer for Net-Zero Ports
Achieving net-zero emissions is nearly impossible without nuclear power. Fossil fuels and their alternatives emit greenhouse gases, while renewables like solar and wind depend on weather. When these sources fail, backup combustion engines increase emissions. Nuclear energy offers a steady power supply with zero emissions, making it an ideal solution for ports.
Why FNPPs are the future of clean port energy?
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Reliable Power – Generates 400-1,500 MWh daily to support fluctuating energy demands.
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Supports Green Infrastructure – Powers docked ships, EV charging stations, hydrogen production, and water desalination.
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Cost-Effective – Provides stable energy pricing, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and carbon taxes.
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Quick Deployment – FNPPs are plug-and-play solutions requiring minimal setup.
Scaling Nuclear for Affordability
FNPPs must be mass-produced to make nuclear energy cost-effective. Shipyard assembly lines enable serial manufacturing, reducing costs and speeding up deployment. Core Power envisions that instead of building each nuclear plant from scratch, identical FNPPs can be constructed efficiently and transported where needed.
This approach makes nuclear energy accessible and scalable, allowing ports worldwide to adopt clean power without costly infrastructure investments.
Organizations like the IMO and IAEA set global standards for FNPPs. This ensures safe and efficient implementation. As people learn more, support for nuclear energy as a clean and reliable power source will rise.
IMO’s Emission Reduction Goals for Maritime Shipping
The 2023 IMO GHG Strategy sets clear goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping.
- By 2030, shipping emissions should drop by at least 20%, with a target of 30% compared to 2008 levels.
- By 2040, the goal is to reduce emissions by 70%, striving for 80%.
To meet these goals, ships must become more energy-efficient, and new ships will face stricter energy requirements. The strategy also encourages using zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies and fuels, aiming for them to supply at least 5% of the energy used by international shipping by 2030, with a target of 10%.
Thus, in the future nuclear-powered vessels will enable zero-emission global trade. With innovation and regulatory support, floating nuclear power will speed up the move to a sustainable, net-zero future And Core Power is setting its goals right!