| Sujet | Description :
This thesis will analyse the implementation of nuclear power on merchant ships as the main source of propulsion and power as a whole. It will consider a description of some different types of reactors potentially fit for vessels, so as to better understand the basics of each one and their workings. It will include a brief explanation on the following reactors all using different power sources : Uranium, Thorium, Lead-Bismuth, Molten-salt. We will, then, go deeper in how the actual implementation is done and where, taking into account the retrofits needed to maintain an increased safety level and the structural integrity of the ship, as new limitations are set. Once the reactor is laid in its final position, the thesis will go in greater detail as to the space gained compared to a classic HFO engine and how it can be further optimise to increase cargo volume. As a result, a potential shift in the overall design of a vessel may occur, where additional gains in performance can be found. Obviously, we can't talk of nuclear propulsion without mentioning its environmental impact on the planet, especially nowadays that reducing GHG is a key factor in the evolution of the maritime industry. A subsequent comparison on multiple levels will be done with a standard HFO/diesel vessel to observe the pros and the cons of nuclear propulsion, defining if it can actually be the next long lasting alternative power for merchant fleet.
Structure :
En plus de la structure générale d'une thèse (page de garde, remerciements, résumé, table des matières, introduction au début ; et conclusion, bibliographie, annexe) j'aimerais diviser mon travail sous forme de ces prochains chapitres :
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A brief description on some different types of modular reactors
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How to implement it onboard
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The necessary retrofits needed to maintain safety and structural integrity
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Space optimization onboard = cargo space won
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Ecological footprint
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A comparative work with a classically propelled ship - HFO etc.
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