The adoption of advanced nuclear reactors onboard a large containership would eliminate the need for refuelling of the vessel during its entire 25-year lifespan, a study by maritime classification society the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has concluded.

The study shows why the shipping industry cannot afford to ignore the vast potential offered by nuclear propulsion both in terms of emissions reduction and operational efficiency, ABS chairman and chief executive officer Christopher Wiernicki said.

The study looked at how the incorporation of nuclear propulsion would impact the design, operation and emission profile of two types of large container ship.