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 builds on an earlier deal between the two companies, signed in late 2024, that focused on developing Blykalla’s lead-cooled SMR technology and potentially building an electrical SMR pilot facility near the existing Oskarshamn nuclear power station south of Stockholm in Sweden.

The extended agreement now covers maritime applications, an area where interest in nuclear propulsion is gaining pace.