Analysis of the nuclear energy systems as an alternative propulsion system option on commercial marine vessels by utilizing the SWOT-AHP method

Abstract

The utilization of alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol, hydrogen, ammonia, and nuclear energy on marine vessels is quite critical to cope with the challenging air pollution regulations set by IMO and to realize global de-carbonization strategies. Nuclear energy has come to the fore with high and sustainable energy density as well as a carbon-free feature among the other potential alternative maritime fuels. Nuclear energy has been used successfully for icebreakers, submarines, and naval vessels up to now and it has been researched for commercial ships, despite a few unsuccessful projects because nuclear energy brings certain difficulties during its utilization, especially in commercial ships. That’s why a SWOT analysis has been performed to determine all internal and external factors on the utilization of nuclear energy in commercial ships as a maritime fuel. The SWOT factors and sub-factors have been established with the aid of comparable energy studies in the literature and maritime sector reports. Twelve marine experts with an average of 12.8 years of experience have participated in a survey to determine the priority weight of each main and sub-factors. Opportunity and strength aspects have the highest weight with 0.362 and 0.302 respectively. On the other hand, threats have a substantial amount of weight with 0.212. Being eco-friendly, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, and preventing fuel fluctuations constitute the three most prominent features among the sub-factors. However, safety and security challenges, which are 4th place among the sub-factors, should be eliminated as much as possible for successful applications of nuclear energy. Experience gathered from past and existing nuclear-powered marine vessels will have been beneficial to overcome difficulties in the utilization of nuclear energy in commercialships.