Artificial Intelligence as Enabler for Adoption of Sustainable Nuclear-Powered Maritime Ships: Challenges and Opportunities

Decarbonization stands as one of humanity’s most pressing challenges, demanding collective efforts from multiple sectors to meet established goals. The transportation industry plays a pivotal role in this endeavor, with the maritime sector offering significant potential to reduce emissions. As a cornerstone of global goods and commodity transport, the maritime industry is uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to the global drive for lower carbon emissions. Artificial intelligence (AI), with its profound influence across diverse domains, is anticipated to play a vital role in supporting the nuclear shipping industry on its path to a decarbonized future. Specifically, AI provides tools to make nuclear power on ships a more economically viable solution while enhancing the safety and security of nuclear systems. This paper explores AI tools as an enabler for adopting nuclear-powered ships, delving into the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation. Ultimately, it highlights AI’s role in fostering sustainable nuclear-powered maritime solutions, which align with and contribute to achieving global decarbonization goals.