ABB and Blykalla Forge Ahead with Maritime Small Modular Reactors

September 16, 2025

Global technology leader ABB and Swedish nuclear developer Blykalla have significantly strengthened their collaboration, signing a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) within the maritime sector. This expanded partnership builds upon a previous agreement and signals a major step towards cleaner propulsion for the shipping industry.

Key Takeaways

ABB and Blykalla are deepening their partnership to advance SMR technology for maritime applications.
The collaboration focuses on Blykalla’s compact, lead-cooled SEALER reactor.
The move aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s efforts to update safety codes for nuclear-powered ships.
Both companies see SMRs as a crucial solution for decarbonizing the shipping industry.

Advancing Maritime Nuclear Propulsion

The enhanced collaboration between ABB and Blykalla is set to fast-track the integration of SMRs into the maritime industry. This initiative is particularly focused on Blykalla’s Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER), a compact, 55 MWe unit designed with inherent passive safety features that minimize the need for operator intervention. The SEALER was previously identified as a promising solution for large vessel deployment within the Nuclear Propulsion for Merchant Ships I (NuProShip I) project.

Strategic Partnership and Industry Momentum

This new MoU expands on an initial agreement from October 2024, which concentrated on developing Blykalla’s lead-cooled SMR technology for Sweden’s energy grid. The expanded scope now explicitly targets maritime applications, a sector increasingly exploring nuclear energy as a viable power source. This development coincides with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) recent steps to revise the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships. At its MSC 110 session in June, member states supported amendments to incorporate new technologies like SMRs, which were not covered by the original code.

ABB’s Crucial Role and Industry Outlook

ABB will leverage its extensive expertise in system integration, power distribution, control, and automation technologies to ensure the successful implementation of SMRs on ships. Juha Koskela, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division, stated that SMRs hold significant potential for decarbonization and that this collaboration will advance their viability in maritime applications. He added that next-generation SMRs will enable innovative ship designs that can reduce emissions compared to vessels powered by carbon-based fuels.

Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman expressed enthusiasm for extending the partnership into the strategically important maritime vertical, viewing their compact reactor design as a unique opportunity to lead in maritime nuclear propulsion. He emphasized that realizing this vision requires a strong ecosystem of committed partners, making this collaboration a critical building block.

The maritime industry is witnessing a growing interest in nuclear power, with other companies also exploring SMRs for shipping. These include HD Hyundai’s collaboration with TerraPower on an SMR-powered containership concept and Samsung Heavy Industries’ nuclear-powered gas carrier design. The formation of the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) as an official NGO with the IMO and IAEA further underscores the industry’s commitment to nuclear-powered shipping.