ABB, Blykalla team up on nuclear power technology for maritime industry

Switzerland-based technology company ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swedish nuclear energy company Blykalla to support and accelerate the deployment of small modular lead-cooled reactors to the maritime industry.

Building on the terms of an existing MoU between Blykalla and ABB signed in October 2024, which targets developing lead-cooled small modular reactor (SMR) technology to support Sweden’s clean energy requirements, this agreement expands the partnership and aligns with growing momentum for nuclear energy as a marine power source, according to the companies.

In June, International Maritime Organization (IMO) administrations at the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 1102) approved recommendations to amend the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships to account for advances in nuclear technology – including SMRs – since the code entered into force.

Blykalla’s Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER) is a passively safe reactor with inherent safety structures, which means they do not require any operator actions. It was one of three reactors identified in the Nuclear Propulsion for Merchant Ships I (NuProShip I) project, which aims to adapt a Generation IV SMR to