Swiss technology group ABB has strengthened its collaboration with Swedish nuclear developer Blykalla to fast-track the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the maritime sector.
The new memorandum of understanding (MoU) builds on an earlier deal between the two companies, signed in late 2024, that focused on developing Blykalla’s lead-cooled SMR technology for Sweden’s energy grid.
The extended agreement now covers maritime applications, an area where interest in nuclear propulsion is gaining pace. Blykalla’s Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER) is at the centre of the work. The compact, 55 MWe unit is designed with passive safety features and no need for operator intervention. It was one of three designs highlighted by the Nuclear Propulsion for Merchant Ships I (NuProShip I) project as suitable for large vessel deployment.
ABB will provide integration expertise across electrification, power distribution, control, and automation systems to support SMR use on ships. The announcement comes as the International Maritime Organization moves to update the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships.
At its MSC 110 session in June, member states backed revisions to reflect new technologies such as SMRs, which were not covered when the code first entered into force.
“We see a unique opportunity to lead the way in maritime nuclear propulsion with our compact reactor design,” said Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla.
“This collaboration is a critical building block.”“SMRs hold significant potential to drive decarbonisation, and our collaboration with Blykalla will help advance their viability in maritime applications,” added Juha Koskela, president of ABB’s marine and ports division.
The agreement marks another step in shipping’s exploration of nuclear power as a path to long-term decarbonisation.
HD Hyundai, in collaboration with TerraPower, has unveiled a 15,000 TEU containership concept powered by small modular reactors (SMRs), securing ABS approval in principle for their designs. Similarly, Samsung Heavy Industries has introduced a nuclear-powered gas carrier design utilising molten salt reactor technology. Additionally, a consortium comprising CORE POWER, ABS, and Athlos Energy is exploring the feasibility of floating nuclear power plants for inland and port applications.
These developments align with the International Maritime Organization’s recent move to amend the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships to accommodate advancements in nuclear technology, including SMRs. The formation of the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) as an official NGO with the IMO and IAEA further underscores the industry’s commitment to nuclear-powered shipping. Additionally, a prototype 1 MWe micro modular reactor (MMR) is set to power a 73-meter amphibious emergency response vessel, showcasing small-scale nuclear propulsion options.
