Completed projects

Nuclear Energy in Ships

A pre-study on combined existing knowledge on the use of nuclear energy as a source on ships.

closeup photo of turned-on blue and white laptop computer

Completed projects

Nuclear Energy in Ships

A pre-study on combined existing knowledge on the use of nuclear energy as a source on ships.

closeup photo of turned-on blue and white laptop computer

Completed projects

Nuclear Energy in Ships

A pre-study on combined existing knowledge on the use of nuclear energy as a source on ships.

closeup photo of turned-on blue and white laptop computer

Project time period

2023–2024

Lead

GCE Blue Maritime Cluster

Partners

IFE

Funding

Innovation Norway

In recent years, the shift towards sustainable energy has sparked renewed interest in nuclear propulsion for ships. This is particularly relevant due to the limitations of green alternatives currently available, especially for larger vessels that require significant energy for operations across oceans and long-distance voyages.

Denne studien vil gi en konsis oversikt over den nåværende situasjonen, fremtidige forventninger og viktige utfordringer som er blitt møtt både i dag og fremover. Den vil dekke områder som teknologiske fremskritt, markedstrender, offentlig diskusjon, forsikrings- og ansvarsspørsmål, reguleringsmyndigheter og kommende reguleringer.

Inside the maritime cluster, there are already R&D initiatives and concepts:

• NUPROSHIP 1 – A project to find a suitable reactor for ships
• NEMO - Net Zero for Nuclear Powered Trawler
• THOR – An Ulstein developed concept that looks at a combined cargo and research ship for Arctic waters operated on a Thorium-based molten salt reactor.

Denne studien vil

  • Map out the developments within research, regulatory landscape, and the commercial technology within maritime nuclear power.

  • Establish an overview of which of the new technologies suit the different vessel segments that the cluster operates.

  • Present a current status report and future outlook, focusing on challenges and potential advancements in maritime nuclear power.

  • Identify key internal and external stakeholders required for the further development of maritime nuclear power in the cluster.

The study includes the following respondents:

Ulstein, Skipsteknisk, IFE, NTNU, Corepower, Microuranus Seoul National University, Bureau Veritas, Babcock International, Lloyds Register, Norsk Kjernekraft AS and Leadcold

Contact person

Knut Tore Aurdal

Head of Projects and Innovation, Blue Maritime Cluster

Knut Tore Aurdal

Head of Projects and Innovation, Blue Maritime Cluster

Knut Tore Aurdal

Head of Projects and Innovation, Blue Maritime Cluster

Postal and visiting address

Borgundvegen 340, 6009 Ålesund

© 2025 Ålesund Knowledge Park. All Rights Reserved

Postal and visiting address

Borgundvegen 340, 6009 Ålesund

© 2025 Ålesund Knowledge Park. All Rights Reserved

Postal and visiting address

Borgundvegen 340, 6009 Ålesund

© 2025 Ålesund Knowledge Park. All Rights Reserved