VARD announced its new project, NuProShip (short for “Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping”) that will evaluate fourth-generation nuclear reactor technologies for their viability in commercial shipping applications.
The NuProShip I phase concluded on 31 December 2024 and will now transition into the NuProShip II project, a two-year initiative to further refine solutions for nuclear propulsion in maritime applications.
In this project, an extensive assessment of 99 companies developing advanced reactor technologies led to the selection of three promising reactor types:
- Kairos Power (USA): Fluoride high-temperature molten salt reactor using TRISO fuel particles, designed for robust and efficient operation.
- Ultrasafe (USA): Helium-cooled gas reactor, also employing TRISO fuel particles, known for their resilience and safety in extreme conditions.
- Blykalla (Sweden): Lead-cooled reactor concept utilizing uranium oxide as fuel, offering high efficiency with advanced cooling mechanisms.
The NuProShip project is supported by prominent partners alongside VARD, including DNV, the Norwegian Maritime Administration, ship owner Knutsen Tankers, and the Spanish nuclear consultancy IDOM. This second phase will expand the consortium to include insurance companies, a critical step for evaluating the business viability of nuclear technology in the shipping industry.
VARD’s primary contribution involves integrating these reactor systems into various vessel types, assessing the technical challenges to enable the future commercial use of nuclear-powered ships. The projects are funded by the Research Council of Norway.
