Generation IV nuclear reactor developer newcleo has signed a cooperation agreement with Italian shipbuilding major Fincantieri and the RINA classification society to carry out a feasibility study into nuclear applications to the shipping industry.

London-based newcleo is developing lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology that uses nuclear waste as fuel.

newcleo said the deployment of its LFR for maritime propulsion would involve placing a closed mini reactor on vessels as a small nuclear battery producing a 30 MW electric output.

This would require infrequent refuelling – only once every 10-15 years – very limited maintenance and easy replacement at end of life.