Files

Abstract

The need to reach Net Zero means that navies will eventually have to change fuel type. The ever-tightening restrictions and the court of public opinion will mean that the defence dispensation will ultimately not be applicable. However, the change in fuel brings with it various concerns that need to be overcome, especially for Survivability, Operability and Availability. The many options for alternative fuel, excluding nuclear, are all less energy dense and as such would impact on range and possibly capability. Capability is an area that should be impacted as a last resort, especially when considering the increasing technological landscape of both weapons and threats. Survivability can only be overcome by the choice of fuel, however Operability and Availability are within control. Taking ownership of fuel production would mitigate against both aspects, and offer military advantage at all levels of operations; from Grand Strategic to Tactical. The use of strategically located Floating Nuclear Production Ships (FNPSs), in international waters, would provide an at sea capability that means there is a reduced reliance on ports for fuel. Rethinking the well to wake pipeline and managing this entire chain organically offers significant advantages to both nation states and military planners and operators. Steady state and surge capacity, in both peacetime and war, offers freedom to manoeuvre for nations and their allies. Furthermore, by using ships rather than static structures the capability provides the potential to join a carrier strike group, thus increasing the total range and providing greater resilience of the fleet.

Details

PDF

Statistics

from
to
Export
Download Full History