BWXT, Crowley Debut Nuclear Power Generation Vessel Concept
- Crowley and BWX Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a ship concept that includes a microreactor for alternative, zero-carbon emission energy generation
- The ship concept envisions a 378-foot vessel that can supply small-scale nuclear energy to shoreside locations
- The partnership will allow Crowley to enter the nuclear energy sector for the first time
- The concept supports the U.S. Department of Energy's goal of maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear energy technology
- None.
Nuclear power generation vessel concept (Photo: Business Wire)
A new memorandum of understanding with BWXT’s Advanced Technologies subsidiary will allow both companies to jointly pursue and develop opportunities relative to the design, engineering and development of new shallow-draft hull ships that will supply small-scale nuclear energy to shoreside locations. The new ships would feature the latest technology available for factory fabricated microreactors, readily deployed into a shipyard configuration for ease of installation on the vessel. The onboard power plant would supply energy to shore facilities, such as military bases in remote island locations, backup utility grids after disasters, and provide power in other scenarios where traditional electricity sources are damaged or not possible.
The new vessel concept envisions a 378-foot ship that pulls from the logistics and marine capabilities of Crowley, a longtime operator with in-house vessel design by its Crowley Engineering Services, and the nuclear capabilities of BWXT, a leading supplier of nuclear components, fuel and services to the
“Our cooperation with BWXT will move Crowley for the first time into the nuclear energy sector, a key part of our commitment to sustainable, alternative energy sources. This concept supports the
This new vessel concept pairs traditional propulsion while carrying a modular reactor between 5 and 50 megawatts that can be activated upon arrival at the destination and be deactivated and transported after the power supply is discontinued. Buoyed power delivery cables will enable the ships to deploy energy connections to shore. Shallow draft hulls allow the vessels to maneuver to strategically deliver power for military activities or if disasters limit harbor access.
“We are excited to work alongside Crowley to leverage our ongoing reactor development and demonstration programs to expand nuclear technology into new and novel markets to deliver zero carbon emissions energy generation to strategic locations,” said Joe Miller, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC.
About Crowley
Crowley is a privately held,
About BWXT
At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. Headquartered in
Forward Looking Statements
BWXT cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the performance, design, suitability and impact of microreactor technology. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, the timing of technology development; our ability to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, licenses and permits in a timely manner; the ability to commercialize this technology; competition in an environment of rapid technological changes; and the enforcement and protection of our intellectual property rights. If one or more of these or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see BWXT’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BWXT cautions not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230920123560/en/
BWXT Contacts
Media
Jud Simmons
Senior Director,
Media & Public Relations
434.522.6462
hjsimmons@bwxt.com
Investors
Chase Jacobson
Vice President, Investor Relations
980.365.4300
investors@bwxt.com
Crowley Contacts
David DeCamp
Director, Corporate Communications
(904) 727-4263
david.decamp@crowley.com
Torey Vogel
Specialist, Corporate Communications
(904) 726-4536
torey.vogel@crowley.com
Source: BWX Technologies, Inc.