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STOCKHOLM, Sweden
ABB and Blykalla expand collaboration to maritime sector
SMR developer Blykalla and leading global engineering company ABB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support and accelerate the deployment of advanced lead-cooled reactors to the maritime industry. The agreement builds on an MoU signed in October 2024 between Blykalla and ABB, focused on developing lead-cooled SMR technology for Sweden’s clean energy needs. This latest step expands the partnership and aligns with growing momentum for nuclear energy as a marine power source.
In June, the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) approved recommendations to update the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships — reflecting efforts across the sector to develop regulatory pathways for nuclear-powered vessels.
With over two decades of research into lead-cooled systems and proprietary materials suited for marine environments, Blykalla is uniquely positioned to meet the operational and safety demands of nuclear propulsion at sea.
Blykalla’s Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor (SEALER) is a passively safe reactor in a highly compact format, already under evaluation for maritime use as part of early adaptation efforts. 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 — in particular larger ships. ABB’s expertise in system integration as well as power distribution, control, and automation technologies will be key to ensuring the successful deployment of the SMR as a shipboard solution. The MoU outlines plans to evaluate integration pathways, conduct joint feasibility assessments, and engage with classification societies and regulators to prepare for deployment.
“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 well suited to the sector’s demand for clean energy,” comments Jacob Stedman, CEO at Blykalla. “Realizing this vision will require an ecosystem of committed partners, and this collaboration is a critical building block.”
“SMRs hold significant potential to drive decarbonization, and our collaboration with Blykalla will help to advance their viability in maritime applications,” said Juha Koskela, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “Next-generation SMRs will enable innovative ship designs that can help to reduce emissions compared to vessels powered by carbon-based fuels. We are proud to partner with Blykalla on what represents an important step on shipping’s decarbonization journey.”
Blykalla is the Swedish developer of advanced SMRs, commercializing lead-cooled fast reactors for industrial use. Based on 20+ years of research, their SEALER technology is a compact 55 MWe unit designed to offer a safe, efficient, and scalable power solution. With strong backing from partners such as Uniper, ABB, OKG, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Blykalla is well positioned to deliver Europe's first advanced SMR, providing reliable and sustainable baseload energy to power AI and clean industries.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
Blykalla is the Swedish developer of advanced SMRs, commercializing lead-cooled fast reactors for industrial use. Based on 20+ years of research, their SEALER technology is a compact 55 MWe unit designed to offer a safe, efficient, and scalable power solution. With strong backing from partners such as Uniper, ABB, OKG, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Blykalla is well positioned to deliver Europe's first advanced SMR, providing reliable and sustainable baseload energy to power AI and clean industries.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
For more information, please contact
Blykalla
Alexandra Teorell
Phone: +46 768617373
Email: alexandra.teorell@blykalla.com
ABB Media Relations
Heli Harri
Phone: +358 50 335 8072
Email: heli.harri@fi.abb.com
ABB Marine & Ports
Merenkulkijankatu 1
00980 Helsinki
Finland
