DNV’s latest research paper, "Maritime nuclear propulsion: Technologies, commercial viability, and regulatory challenges for nuclear-powered vessels," concludes that nuclear propulsion could become a viable long-term solution for maritime decarbonization. Although no commercial nuclear-powered ships have been built for over forty years, the report notes a resurgence of interest as environmental pressures shift. It outlines how marine nuclear systems differ from land-based reactors and stresses the need for technological, regulatory, and commercial alignment to realise their potential.

The study also examines fuel and waste management, and vessel design, identifying automation, digitalisation, and modular engineering as key enablers for wider acceptance. "Nuclear energy has the potential to play a role in the maritime energy transition," said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen , Maritime CEO at DNV. “However, much work still needs to be done to overcome technical, regulatory, and societal challenges, including public perception,” he added. (js)

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