Nuclear-powered LNG carrier study shows high upfront costs but lower operating expenses

A joint study by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Blossom Energy, and a global shipping company has analyzed the economic viability of nuclear-powered liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. Presented at Gastech 2026, the research focused on a 174,000 CBM carrier equipped with a 20-25 MWe high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) currently under development by Blossom Energy.

The study indicates that while the initial investment for a nuclear-powered vessel would be approximately 2.5 times higher than a conventional LNG carrier, the design could substantially reduce fuel costs throughout the ship’s operating life. The analysis also explored a business model where the reactor is treated as a long-term energy asset that can be removed and reinstalled on a second vessel once the original ship reaches the end of its service life, thereby increasing its residual value.

Researchers evaluated vessel arrangement, propulsion systems, and operating conditions against conventional LNG-fueled newbuilds while considering various potential regulatory penalty scenarios.