Norway-based shipbuilder and designer VARD, a subsidiary of Italy’s Fincantieri Group, has published the results of its two-year NuProShip II research project, concluding that nuclear propulsion is technically feasible for specialised offshore vessels.
The project, completed in January 2026, examined the integration of small fourth-generation, helium gas-cooled reactors into dynamically positioned vessels, including compliance with DP2 safety requirements and potential adaptation to DP3 standards.
VARD developed a concept design for a nuclear-powered construction vessel as part of the study, working with DNV, Emerald Nuclear, Vard Electro, offshore vessel owner Island Offshore and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Henrik Burvang, Research & Innovation Manager at Vard Design AS, said:
“We are proud to contribute to the future of maritime innovation. NuProShip II demonstrates that nuclear-powered vessels are not just a vision, but a technically feasible solution. Our work lays the foundation for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible shipping. We hope this project brings real value to the continued development of maritime nuclear technology. It is also particularly valuable to have a professional ship owner and operator like Island Offshore in the project, proving that ship owners are focusing on this technology going forward.”
The work will feed into the SFI SAINT nuclear maritime research centre, launching in 2026 with eight years of funding from Norway’s Research Council.
