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Future of shipping: DNV reveals the opportunities of nuclear propulsion technology!
DNV analyzes the profitability of nuclear propulsion technology for civil ships on November 6th, 2025 - new opportunities for the maritime industry.
Future of shipping: DNV reveals the opportunities of nuclear propulsion technology!
The maritime future is increasingly being shaped by new technologies, and nuclear propulsion technology is at the top of the agenda. DNV (Det Norske Veritas) has recently published a comprehensive book on the feasibility of this technology for civilian ships. How Meret Marine reports, classification societies are taking an increasingly intensive look at the challenging opportunities associated with nuclear energy in shipping.
The DNV report points to previous civilian projects such as the Savannah, Otto Hahn and Mutsu, all of which were based on pressurized water reactors. However, these projects are known to be examples of high demands on specialized staff and constant monitoring that have put profitability into question. The DNV emphasizes that military technologies are only partially transferable to commercial use as the requirements are often incompatible and can be associated with high costs.
New approaches in drive technology
Current research approaches aim to develop compact, standardized reactors that require low personnel costs and passive safety. The more efficient use of reactors should be coordinated with technical shutdowns of the ships so that operational availability is optimized. The innovative systems could be used for nuclear propulsion technology as well as for electricity production on board or for offshore applications via floating power plants.
A key aspect of the DNV study is the need to develop a complete value chain for maritime use, including fuel production and radioactive waste storage. The latter is important not only from a safety perspective, but also for public acceptance and the credibility of the entire model.
Regulatory framework and security measures
The introduction of nuclear energy in the maritime industry is also accompanied by various regulatory institutions. Lloyd’s Register has published a guide entitled “Navigating Nuclear Energy in Maritime”. Loud Nautical Nova The document addresses the safety and economic hurdles associated with the integration of nuclear energy in commercial shipping.
The guide discusses security measures that include both physical and cyber protection systems to minimize insider threats. Furthermore, the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which are supposed to set crucial standards, is highlighted.
DNV has calculated that nuclear propulsion technology will become competitive when the cost of reactors falls below $18,000/kW - in the context of complete decarbonization by 2050. Standardization, modularity and a reduction in on-board personnel play a major role in the economic viability of this technology.
The challenge of creating an environmentally friendly and safe maritime future is great. But the efforts of industry and regulators, such as DNV and Lloyd’s Register, show that there is a clear path forward that opens up exciting prospects.