ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swedish nuclear energy company Blykalla to support the deployment of small modular lead-cooled reactors to the maritime industry.

The agreement expands an existing partnership between the companies, signed in October 2024, which focused on developing lead-cooled small modular reactor (SMR) technology for Sweden's clean energy requirements.

The collaboration comes amid growing momentum for nuclear energy as a marine power source. In June, International Maritime Organization administrations at the Maritime Safety Committee approved recommendations to amend the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships to account for advances in nuclear technology — including SMRs — since the Code entered into force.

Blykalla's Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER) is described as a compact, passively safe reactor with inherent safety structures that do not require operator actions. It was one of three reactors identified in the Nuclear Propulsion for Merchant Ships I (NuProShip I) project, which aims to adapt a Generation IV SMR to the requirements of maritime vessels, particularly larger ships.

ABB's expertise in system integration, power distribution, control, and automation technologies will be applied to ensure the deployment of the SMR as a shipboard solution, according to the companies.

"We're pleased to extend our partnership with ABB into this strategically important vertical. With our compact reactor design, we see a unique opportunity to lead the way in maritime nuclear propulsion — a solution uniquely positioned to meet the sector's demand for clean energy," said Jacob Stedman, CEO at Blykalla. "Realising this vision will require an ecosystem of committed partners, and this collaboration is a critical building block."

Juha Koskela, President of ABB's Marine & Ports division, noted: "SMRs hold significant potential to drive decarbonisation, and our collaboration with Blykalla will help to advance their viability in maritime applications. Next-generation SMRs will enable innovative ship designs that can help to reduce emissions compared to vessels powered by carbon-based fuels."

Blykalla develops advanced SMRs, commercialising lead-cooled fast reactors for industrial use. The company's SEALER technology is a 55 MWe unit designed to offer power solutions based on more than 20 years of research.

ABB is a technology company in electrification and automation. The company's shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.