Neo-Panamax Decarbonization via Microreactor Propulsion Conversion

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive feasibility assessment for retrofitting a Neo-Panamax (NPX) container vessel with nuclear microreactor propulsion to contribute to decarbonization of commercial shipping. The project selected a 12,000 TEU container vessel as a baseline hull and replaced its WinGD 7x92-B diesel engine and auxiliary generators with two MIT-designed Organically Cooled Reactors (OCRs), each paired with a 27MW Mitsubishi steam turbine generator and a Leonardo DRS 36.5MW direct-drive electric motor. Detailed Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) were used to validate seakeeping performance, optimize system arrangements, and verify the structural integrity of deck reinforcements under static and buckling loads. Stability and damaged-condition survivability were evaluated using MAXSURF, demonstrating intact and damaged American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) compliance across operational load cases. Seakeeping analyses at sea states 4–9 confirmed that motions remain within recoverable righting-arm limits. A bottom-up financial analysis compared lifecycle costs over 25 years, showing that the retrofit’s $540M total cost—including capital, operations, maintenance, and nuclear fuel, and nuclear insurance—is significantly lower than the $946M projected lifecycle cost of a conventional NPX and yields $405–806M in net savings when accounting for impending carbon taxes. Key regulatory challenges including absence of propulsion- specific nuclear regulations and port-entry protocols were identified as primary non-technical hurdles, with emerging frameworks from industry consortia offering pathways to implementation. Nuclear microreactor retrofits can be technically and economically viable for large commercial vessels, positioning them as a potent strategy to meet International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) net-zero targets by 2050.