Vard releases details of nuclear power for OSVs

Fincantieri subsidiary, Vard, based in Norway’s Ålesund, has presented the results of the NuProShip II project which has assessed the potential for replacing conventional power systems with small fourth-generation nuclear reactors aboard specialised offshore vessels.

Vard has recently completed a submission to the NuProShip II project in which an adapted offshore construction vessel, based on an existing Vard reference vessel, was powered by nuclear energy. Specifically, the concept envisages a helium gas-cooled nuclear reactor as the primary source of power and evaluates its implications for ship layout, safety, and overall system performance.

The part of the project assessing vessel power plant was led by Vard Design, working with participants including shipowner Island Offshore, Vard Electro, Emerald Nuclear, and DNV. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology was the overall project leader.

The partners concluded that nuclear-powered, dynamically positioned offshore vessels are possible. The nuclear setup would be suitable for DP2 systems with scope to adapt to DP3 requirements, ensuring separate engine room systems and extra operating redundancy.

Vard Design’s Research and Innovation manager, Henrik Burvang, in charge of the project for Vard, commented: “NuProShip II demonstrates that nuclear-powered vessels are not just a vision, but a technically feasible solution ... It is particularly valuable to have a professional shipowner and operator like Island Offshore in the project, proving that shipowners are focusing on this technology going forward.”