Why the Shipping Industry Is Turning Its Attention to Nuclear Power

Commercial shipping causes significant pollution, accounting for about 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, or roughly a billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent annually. Heavy fuel oil combustion emits sulfur oxides SOx, nitrogen oxides NOx and black carbon, worsening coastal air quality and causing respiratory illness. Ships release millions of gallons of oily bilge water that spreads invasive species, along with fuel from accidental spills into marine habitats.

While between 46% and 72% of cruise ships utilize electric shore power, the technology is relatively rare; only 3% of ports offer Onshore Power Supply OPS services. The vast majority continue to allow berthed ships to generate onshore power using traditional diesel engines burning heavy bunker fuel.