Norwegian company Vard, part of the Fincantieri Group, has been collaborating with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Ålesund and other key stakeholders in a project, known as NuProShip I, exploring nuclear propulsion for the maritime sector.
NuProShip, short for ‘Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping’, evaluated fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications. The project has carried out an extensive assessment of 99 companies developing advanced reactor technologies, which has led to the selection of three promising reactor types:
- Kairos Power (USA): Fluoride high-temperature molten salt reactor using TRISO fuel particles, designed for robust and efficient operation.
- Ultrasafe (USA): Helium-cooled gas reactor, also employing TRISO fuel particles, known for their resilience and safety in extreme conditions.
- Blykalla (Sweden): Lead-cooled reactor concept utilising uranium oxide as fuel, offering high efficiency with advanced cooling mechanisms.
TRISO fuel particles, noted for their durability and containment properties, play a crucial role in two of these reactor types, TRISO technology is considered to be one of the most resilient nuclear fuel types available today.
Alongside Vard, the NuProShip project is supported by prominent partners including DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, ship owner Knutsen Tankers, and the Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM. VARD’s primary contribution involves integrating these reactor systems into various vessel types, assessing the technical challenges to enable the future commercial use of nuclear-powered ships.
NuProShip I concluded at the end of December 2024, and will transition into the NuProShip II project, a two-year initiative to further refine solutions for nuclear propulsion in maritime applications. This second phase will expand the consortium to include insurance companies, a critical step for evaluating the business viability of nuclear technology in the shipping industry.
The NuProShip projects are funded by the Research Council of Norway, underscoring Norway’s commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions in maritime propulsion technology.
Image: Nuclear ship propulsion is being investigated by Vard, among other partners (source: Vard Group)
