Vard has completed a concept design study for a nuclear-powered offshore construction vessel as part of the NuProShip II (Nuclear Propulsion in Merchant Shipping) research programme.

The study concludes that a small fourth-generation nuclear reactor could be integrated as the primary power source on a dynamically positioned offshore vessel, while meeting requirements for safety, redundancy and operational reliability. According to Vard, the results demonstrate that nuclear propulsion is technically viable for certain commercial offshore applications.

The proposed design is based on a DP2 power configuration, with scope for adaptation to DP3 standards. Vard said the concept would allow zero greenhouse gas emissions during vessel operation, while providing a stable and continuous power supply and extended endurance for energy-intensive offshore activities.

Henrik Burvang, research and innovation manager at Vard Design AS, stated: "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 was led by Vard Design and carried out in collaboration with DNV, Emerald Nuclear, Vard Electro, offshore vessel owner Island Offshore, and project lead Norwegian University of Science and Technology.