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Bulgaria Pioneers Europe’s First Operating AP1000 Reactor

by News Editor

In a move that positions it at the forefront of nuclear energy advancements, Bulgaria is set to become Europe’s first nation to operate an AP1000 reactor. This announcement was made by Energy Minister Zecho Stankov during a Westinghouse symposium in Sofia.

Key Developments

  • Approval for the site and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are in place, with efforts now focused on funding and European Commission coordination.
  • Minister Stankov recently engaged with U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to explore investment opportunities in Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear power plant.
  • Stankov emphasized the crucial role of local companies in the development of new nuclear blocks, akin to initiatives like the Seventh and Eighth blocks at Kozloduy.
  • Multiple memorandums were signed, promising significant involvement of Bulgarian firms in what is anticipated to be a monumental project for this and the next decade.
  • New reactor blocks are expected to entice Bulgarian experts with global experience back to the country.

Labor Impact

Stankov underlined that approximately 10,000 jobs will be created at the project’s peak.

A Groundbreaking Partnership

In November, Kozloduy New Capacities entered into a landmark agreement with U.S. consortium Westinghouse and South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction to construct the Seventh and Eighth blocks using cutting-edge Generation III+ technology, known for its fully passive safety systems and low carbon footprint per MWe. The first unit is anticipated to commence commercial operation by 2035.

Greek Tankers Transit Hormuz As Shipping Risks Rise In Gulf And Black Sea

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Two tankers linked to George Prokopiou passed through the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions continue to affect shipping routes in the Gulf.

Safe Passage Through Hormuz

The tanker Smyrni, operated by Dynacom Tankers Management, was observed off the coast of Mumbai on Saturday morning after its earlier positioning in the Persian Gulf. The vessel, like its predecessor Shenlong, temporarily disabled its transponder during transit, a common practice in these narrow channels under uncertain conditions.

Robust Market Commitments

Despite reduced shipping traffic through the strait, Dynacom has continued expanding its fleet. The company recently ordered four additional VLCC tankers from Hengli Heavy Industry. Each vessel will have a capacity of 300,000 deadweight tonnes. With the new order, Dynacom’s VLCC program in Chinese shipyards now totals 16 vessels.

Security Incident In The Black Sea

In a separate incident, the Greek-flagged tanker Maran Homer sustained minor damage near Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. The vessel is operated by Maran Tankers Management, part of the shipping group controlled by Maria Angelicoussis.

Reports indicated the ship was struck by a missile or drone about 14 nautical miles from the port. The crew of 24, including Greek, Filipino and Romanian sailors, was not injured. The vessel, which was not carrying cargo, continued sailing under its own power.

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