03/07/2025
Nuclear power is the future of maritime shipping
Maritime shipping is emerging as the next major stage for climate solutions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has stated that fossil fuels must be virtually eliminated from shipping by 2050. In this context, nuclear-powered vessels may become one of the few economically viable solutions for the future.
The IMO’s zero-carbon goal of phasing out fossil fuels is ambitious – and especially challenging in maritime transport. Replacing fossil fuels in ships may be the most expensive transition across all industrial and transport sectors. Biofuels are not available at the scale needed to power the global fleet.
New solutions are currently being developed: ships sail more slowly, experiment with auxiliary sails, and optimize fuel consumption. Still, a large portion of the global fleet will continue to need efficient and clean energy sources.
E-fuels require more than meets the eye
Currently, the industry’s focus is on synthetic fuels produced with electricity, such as green ammonia. However, these e-fuels are costly and require enormous power generation capacity. If the entire global fleet switched to them, it would require an increase in electricity production equal to 1.5 times Europe’s current capacity.
For example, powering a single ship with ammonia requires a dedicated ammonia production plant and a reliable supply of clean electricity, ideally sourced from nuclear or renewable energy. The ship’s investment accounts for only 10–20% of the entire chain, and the energy efficiency remains low. The power capacity of the energy facility must be several times greater than the amount of energy ultimately delivered to the ship.
Nuclear power can make ships energy self-sufficient
Given this situation, placing the energy source directly on board becomes a logical and compelling alternative – especially as next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) are also being planned for use on land. A nuclear-powered vessel eliminates the costly and inefficient fuel supply chain and generates all the energy it needs independently.
While the upfront cost of a nuclear-powered ship can be up to five times higher than that of a conventional vessel, it is often the most economically rational choice when viewed from a full-system perspective. A ship-based reactor can deliver the required energy at four to six times lower output compared to a land-based nuclear power plant.
In civilian applications, nuclear propulsion is most viable for large ocean-going vessels and icebreakers, where operating profiles justify the investment.
This is no longer just a distant vision
The technology for nuclear-powered vessels already exists and is in use, particularly in naval fleets and icebreakers. The EU is also funding research to explore the role of nuclear power in the maritime energy transition.
In civilian applications, nuclear propulsion is most viable for large ocean-going vessels and icebreakers, where operating profiles justify the investment. Arctic government vessels, in particular, stand to benefit from extended range and operational autonomy, with no need for refueling in remote regions.
Technology isn’t the bottleneck
The main barriers to nuclear-powered ships are regulatory and societal. Many countries currently prohibit nuclear-powered ships from entering their ports, and commercial deployment lacks clear international guidelines. The international regulations are set by the UN agency IMO, which does have a regulatory framework for nuclear-powered cargo ships, but it dates back to 1980 and is urgently in need of updating.
Additionally, liability and insurance issues remain unresolved. No effective insurance mechanism exists for nuclear-powered vessels. Best practices can be adopted from the regulatory and insurance frameworks developed for land-based nuclear power plants.
The choices we make now will shape the future
Globally, the race for clean maritime solutions is accelerating, and nuclear energy is firmly in the mix. That’s why Finland must look toward the horizon and engage proactively. We should take an active role in updating international regulations and promoting the responsible use of nuclear technologies in maritime contexts.
Finland has unique expertise in building nuclear-powered specialty ships. This capability can serve both domestic and global markets. The arrival of nuclear-powered vessels will open up new opportunities for the entire Finnish maritime industry. If managed well, the shift could also generate new jobs at the very heart of our tech industry.
Nuclear power cannot be ignored in the search for sustainable, feasible solutions for zero-emission shipping. The time to decide is now: will we lead – or be left behind?
Want to know more?
Reducing MS Crown Seaways’fuel consumption with Elogrid: An installation story
DFDS A/S has installed Elogrid™ on the MS Crown Seaways to enhance the ship’s energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The installation was successfully completed during the vessel’s annual drydocking at the Fayard repair yard in January 2024.
Design and Engineering for a Canadian Polar Icebreaker
Elomatic is reaching the next phase in the design of a Canadian Polar Icebreaker ship which is set to be built by 2030. The Canadian Polar Icebreaker project was originally initiated in 2012 by the Canadian Government as a replacement for the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, Canada’s current largest icebreaker. However, it was put on hold for almost 10 years before being reignited in early 2021.