ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swedish nuclear company Blykalla to speed up the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) at sea.
The deal expands on an earlier 2024 agreement focused on Sweden’s clean energy needs. Now the two companies aim to bring Blykalla’s lead-cooled SMR technology into the maritime sector.
Interest in nuclear shipping is growing. In June, the IMO agreed to update the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships to reflect advances in SMR design.
Blykalla’s Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER) is compact and designed with passive safety. It was one of three SMRs identified by the NuProShip I project as suitable for large vessels. ABB will provide expertise in power distribution, integration, and automation.
Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman said the partnership will help nuclear propulsion move forward. ABB Marine & Ports President Juha Koskela added that SMRs can cut emissions and enable new ship designs.
