China is moving ahead with long held plans to develop nuclear powered vessels. State run energy giant CNOOC has signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) to look at ways to power the offshore industry.

CGN has been developing a small modular nuclear reactor called the ACPR50S for maritime use， which would be able to provide power to offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

CGN will collaborate the project with China’s shipbuilding major China Shipbuilding Industry Co (CSIC).

In October last year, UK classification society Lloyd’s Register signed with Nuclear Power Institute of China (NPIC) to support the design and development of a floating nuclear power plant utilising a small modular reactor.

China’s maritime community has long held ideas of developing nuclear-powered vessels. Former Cosco boss Capt Wei Jiafu was a big believer in the potential of nuclear power for shipping, expounding on the matter at a conference alongside the 2009 edition of Marintec China.