Allseas is pioneering the future of maritime energy with a new initiative focused on nuclear power for offshore vessels. The company has launched a five-year program to design, develop, and deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) capable of powering both offshore ships and onshore infrastructure.
Global offshore contractor Allseas has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to explore nuclear power for offshore vessels through the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). The project aims to create a safe, scalable, zero-emissions energy source tailored for maritime and onshore use.
Citing that the shipping industry contributes around 3% of global CO₂ emissions, Allseas sees nuclear energy as a potential game-changer. Unlike hydrogen, methanol, or ammonia—which face constraints in supply, scalability, and cost—nuclear energy offers a stable, high-density alternative.
The company’s research is centered around high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) with a capacity of 25 megawatts electric (MWe). These fourth-generation reactors use TRISO fuel particles, each roughly the size of a poppy seed, containing uranium oxide cores encased in ceramic layers for superior safety. The fuel design ensures containment of fission products, even under extreme conditions.
Allseas emphasizes the inherent safety of HTGR technology. The reactor is self-regulating and capable of shutting down passively in the event of a failure—without needing external cooling or human intervention.
To address lifecycle sustainability, Allseas is also exploring reprocessing of spent fuel and recycling graphite to minimize environmental impact.
Support for the project includes academic collaboration with Delft University of Technology, which has over a decade of experience with microreactor research. Dutch nuclear regulator NRG PALLAS has also validated TRISO fuel performance through high-flux reactor trials in Petten.
Lloyd’s Register is contributing technical guidance and compliance support. The five-year roadmap outlines completion of initial design studies in the first year, followed by prototype development, safety reviews, and regulatory engagement.
While regulations for offshore nuclear use are still under development, Allseas expects to launch the first SMR at an onshore facility by 2030. Maritime deployment will follow, potentially transforming the way offshore vessels are powered and contributing to global maritime decarbonization.