The Swiss group Allseas has announced a five-year plan for the development of small modular reactors(SMRs) suitable for both onshore installations and for the integration of nuclear power in offshore vessels.
The installation of nuclear power on its ships
Some alternative fuels such as ammonia, methanol or hydrogen have failed to scale up efficiently and economically. When faced with these scenarios, nuclear energy appears as a viable and energy-dense solution, offering a constant and carbon-free electricity supply.
The SMRs chosen by Allseas are high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR) with a capacity of 25 MWe. This fourth-generation technology is characterized by its passive safety: the reactor is self-regulating, maintains low temperatures and can be shut down without external intervention or additional cooling systems.
The heart of these reactors consists of TRISO fuel, a tiny particle encapsulated in several advanced ceramic layers that ensure the confinement of radioactive waste even under extreme conditions. This configuration makes the HTGR one of the safest nuclear technologies on the market.
The Delft University of Technology and NRG PALLAS have supported the project by providing expertise, experience and fuel safety tests. Lloyd’s Register is assisting as a certification body to ensure that the reactors meet the highest international maritime standards.
Allseas plans to begin land-based deployment of SMRs while adapting international regulations for use on offshore platforms. The goal is clear: to start production in a dedicated plant by 2030, applying the technology on its own vessels before expanding industrially.
This proposal also addresses the energy challenges of onshore industrial clusters, such as renewable volatility and grid congestion. SMCs can act as decentralized energy nodes, providing stability and reducing dependence on the main grid.
The project positions the Netherlands as a leader in the transition to a net-zero emission fleet. Organizations such as TNO and the Royal Dutch Shipowners’ Association (KVNR) highlight the strategic value of pioneering this technology, both for energy security and for Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
Allseas reinforces its commitment to sustainability by exploring circular solutions for waste management, such as the reuse of graphite or the reprocessing of TRISO fuel. This comprehensive vision aims to achieve a 30% cut in emissions by 2030 and total carbon neutrality by 2050.
From platform decommissioning to automated subsea pipelaying, Allseas has been synonymous with offshore innovation. Now, with the nuclear bet, it seeks not only to redefine its role in the energy supply chain, but also to influence global standards of maritime and land-based sustainability.
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Source and photo: Allseas
