British navy considers nuclear-powered surface ships
The UK's Royal Navy is exploring the use of nuclear propulsion for large surface ships, with the Ministry of Defence issuing a Request for Information seeking insights from the defence industry on the feasibility of adding Generation-IV nuclear reactors to its current and future fleet of ships.
"The Royal Navy is seeking information regarding the integration of Generation-IV nuclear technologies for surface ship employment. Exploring scopes for alternative energy paradigms, the Royal Navy is gathering information on various energy solutions for powering large surface ships," the Request for Information (RFI) summary says.
It adds: "The primary objective of this RFI is to gather detailed information on Gen-IV nuclear reactor designs, their feasibility for large surface ships (including support vessels and surface combatants), and the potential benefits and challenges associated with their use. This information will help inform our future strategic decisions and potential investments in this technology."
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has emphasised that this RFI is not a tender but a way to gather information from industry leaders, UK Defence Journal noted. The request is being conducted in line with the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, which seeks to foster productive relationships with defence and security industries.
The MOD has requested "detailed descriptions of Generation-IV nuclear reactor designs suitable for maritime applications", as well as information on "power output, efficiency, and operational parameters". Safety features are also a primary concern, with the document seeking information on "safety features and protocols inherent to Generation-IV reactors", the journal said.
The ministry is also exploring how these reactors could be integrated into ship designs. The RFI asks for responses addressing "requirements for integrating Generation-IV reactors into the design and construction of large surface ships", UK Defence Journal reported. This includes how modifications to existing ship designs would be required to accommodate nuclear power systems, as well as the research questions that need to be addressed to make these technologies viable for naval use.
UK Defence Journal said the MOD is also seeking information on "implications for wider Defence Lines of Development (crewing, training, maintenance, supporting infrastructure, and other such effects)". The RFI also calls for industry input on "lifecycle-sustainability assessments and mitigation strategies for nuclear-powered ships", as well as on the "key regulatory frameworks governing the use of nuclear power in maritime settings".
The deadline for responses to the RFI is 8 October. The RFI says: "Following viability of returns, the Royal Navy may hold a forum to explore key details from selected responses and/or an action learning event."
The Royal Navy currently operates four Vanguard Class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines and five Astute Class nuclear-powered attack submarines, with two more under construction, as well as one Trafalgar Class nuclear-powered submarine. Unlike the USA, Russia, China and France, the UK has never operated a nuclear-powered surface ship.
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