Ocean transportation is facing its greatest challenge since we went from sail to steam in the 1840s.
Over the next few decades as many as 60,000 ships must transition from combustion of fossil fuels to zero-emission propulsion.
With growth in global trade and ocean transportation, we will need an actual emission reduction of almost 90% by that time to meet targets set by the UN.
The answer to the challenge is the marine Molten Salt reactor (m-MSR) an ‘atomic battery’ pack which could power the largest ships and production of green synthetic fuels for smaller ships.
The m-MSR is small, with no moving parts, it can be a third cheaper to run than a large fossil fuelled engine. It massively reduces waste, and is fuelled-for-life, avoiding proliferation of spent fuel.
The m-MSR is inherently walk-away safe. Atomic reactors produce heat, therefore, the coolant is the key to safety. In an m-MSR the fuel is the coolant, and the coolant is the fuel, so coolant cannot be lost. This is the very definition of passive walk-away safety which will create a positive public opinion.
The m-MSR has an economic potential which is greater than that of oil and gas. It can provide all the sustainable, clean energy we need to move us deep into the future without polluting the environment.
Revolutionising ocean transportation.
The m-MSR could fully decarbonise marine propulsion and at the same time create of a brand-new technical platform for shipping, breaking those chains that are holding the industry down.
Zero emissions come as standard.
