Posted on January 28, 2026
VARD, part of the FINCANTIERI group, has finalized its key contribution to the NuProShip II (Nuclear Propulsion in merchant Shipping) research project: a concept design for a nuclear-powered offshore construction vessel. The study confirms that integrating a small 4th generation nuclear reactor as the primary power source in a DP vessel is technically feasible, while meeting strict requirements for safety, redundancy, and operational reliability.
Among the key findings: the solution aligns with DP2 power architecture, with potential adaptability to DP3, enables zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and supports extended endurance and stable power supply for energy-intensive offshore operations.
As Henrik Burvang, Research & Innovation Manager at Vard Design AS, states: – Our offshore-case in the NuProShip II project demonstrates that nuclear-powered vessels are not just a vision, but a technically feasible solution.
The case study is led by Vard Design and conducted in close cooperation with DNV, Emerald Nuclear, Vard Electro, offshore ship owner Island Offshore, and the project leader and our long-term research & innovation partner Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
