@article{GENERAL,
      recid = {11181},
      author = {Dunn, M},
      title = {Molten Salt Reactors: Current Technology Status and the  Challenges for Maritime Applications},
      journal = {Conference Proceedings of INEC},
      address = {2024-11-06},
      number = {GENERAL},
      abstract = {The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the  current state of Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology with  a specific focus on its potential integration into maritime  propulsion systems. The abstract highlights the inherent  safety features and high efficiency of MSRs, presenting  them as a promising next-generation nuclear technology. The  paper aims to assess the feasibility and benefits of  adopting MSRs for maritime applications while addressing  the associated technical and regulatory challenges. This is  particularly relevant due to the need for alternative fuels  in the shipping industry to enable the move towards the  de-carbonisation of shipping. 

The paper aims to provide  the essential background information on MSRs, emphasizing  their revolutionary approach to nuclear energy by utilizing  liquid fluoride or chloride salts as both fuel and coolant.  The advantages MSR’s will be considered alongside the  operational principles of MSRs, highlighting their unique  design. The safety features of MSRs will be clearly  discussed, including lower risks of meltdowns, the ability  to operate at higher temperatures for increased thermal  efficiency and the inability for the fuel to be  proliferated into weapon technology. 
Several types of MSR  technology will be explored, with each design briefly  described, highlighting the diversity of MSR concepts.
The  paper will then investigate MSR’s and their applicability  for maritime applications, highlighting the advantages in  ship propulsion systems as an alternative fuel source. The  benefits and challenges in maritime deployment will be  examined, encompassing regulatory frameworks, materials  compatibility, operational safety, and public perception.
A  section discussing the challenges of integration of MSR’s  into new-build ships will cover the constraints, challenges  and considerations which will cover areas such as size  constraints, vibration and seismic considerations,  materials compatibility, heat transfer and thermal  management, salt handling systems, safety and containment,  reactivity control, regulatory compliance, power conversion  systems, and life-cycle considerations. 

Regulatory  challenges and safety concerns specific to maritime  applications are to be discussed in a dedicated section.  The need for international collaboration to establish  robust regulatory frameworks and safety standards for  MSR-equipped ships will be highlighted.

The paper will  conclude by summarizing the current Technology Readiness  Level (TRL) of MSRs in land-based applications, ranging  from early-stage prototypes to potential commercial  deployment. A discussion on the TRL of potential MSR ship  systems will be conducted to reiterate the importance of  overcoming challenges to unlock the full potential of MSRs  in the maritime sector.},
      url = {http://library.imarest.org/record/11181},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.24868/11181},
}