Nuclear

Allseas is pioneering the next generation of clean energy: developing an advanced nuclear power system tailored for energy-intensive offshore vessels and onshore industrial clusters.

Building on four decades of offshore engineering excellence, we are designing a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) that delivers stable, high-density, zero-emissions energy in even the most remote, demanding environments.

Designed for marine propulsion and auxiliary power, our technology opens a path to wider application – helping industrial clusters reduce reliance on fossil fuels, overcome grid congestion and secure a resilient, carbon-free electricity and heat supply.

This is more than innovation – it’s a strategic shift toward long-term energy security and operational independence for offshore and onshore industries alike.

Why nuclear?

The global energy transition demands scalable solutions for hard-to-abate sectors. Offshore vessels and industrial hubs are among the most energy-intensive environments, and many face barriers to adopting conventional renewables or alternative fuels like hydrogen, methanol or ammonia.

Nuclear energy offers:
• Unmatched energy density for long-duration, high-demand operations
• Stable, carbon-free power in any weather, anywhere
• Reduced pressure on congested electricity grids
• A viable path to net-zero for maritime and heavy industry

With nearly 3% of global CO₂ emissions coming from shipping alone, this technology can transform the sector’s carbon footprint – and unlock new levels of operational freedom, cost efficiency and energy security.

Onshore, industrial clusters face high energy costs, grid congestion and volatile renewable supply. SMRs can ease grid pressure while providing consistent, carbon-free power and heat – accelerating decarbonisation and boosting industrial resilience and long-term competitiveness. 

How it works

We’ve selected High-temperature Gas-cooled Reactors (HTGRs) – a fourth-generation nuclear technology known for its inherent safety and exceptional reliability.  

These compact reactors (25 MWe class) are powered by TRISO fuel particles, each no larger than a poppy seed. Each particle contains a uranium oxide core, coated with several advanced protective ceramic layers that securely contain fission products – even under extreme conditions.

Passive safety is at the core of this design:
• The reactor self-regulates and avoids overheating
• No external cooling or operator intervention is needed
• In the event of malfunction, it automatically cools and shuts down safely
• This unique design sets a new benchmark in nuclear safety and makes it ideally suited for marine and remote deployment. 

A roadmap to reality

Our five-year plan is already underway. We’re moving from concept to construction through a rigorous development and licensing programme, in partnership with regulatory bodies, safety authorities, and leading research institutions.

Key milestones:
2025–2026: Design studies and start of pre-licensing with ANVS
2027–2028: Basic & detailed design; and testing
2029–2030: Start of production at dedicated facility
From 2030:  Initial deployment on land, followed by offshore roll-out
 

We work closely with trusted partners including Lloyd’s Register, TNO, NRG PALLAS, TU Delft, and the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR). Together, we’re building not just a reactor – but a whole new energy ecosystem.

Responsible innovation

We take a full-lifecycle approach to nuclear energy. Waste minimisation, reuse and recycling are key elements of our development strategy. That includes exploring options for spent fuel reprocessing, graphite reuse, and other circular solutions.

We’re committed to:
• Meeting the highest international safety and environmental standards
• Transparent engagement with regulators and industry
• Long-term stewardship of nuclear technology and waste 

Strategic impact

This initiative supports Allseas’ broader sustainability targets – 30% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero operations by 2050 – while contributing to Europe’s goals for energy security, industrial competitiveness and climate leadership. It also represents a new frontier for the Netherlands: a chance to develop an exportable clean-tech product and lead in the global transition to sustainable ship propulsion.

HTGR technology and TRISO fuel

The high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) is a proven nuclear reactor technology that can produce heat and electricity without emissions. This fourth-generation reactor technology is defined by its inherently safe characteristics.  

The HTGR uses TRISO fuel particles. The heart of each TRISO particle contains a core of uranium oxide, encapsulated in several protective ceramic layers that securely contain the fuel and fission products, even under extreme conditions.

Many thousands of TRISO particles are compressed into a six-centimetre-sized graphite ball, called a pebble. Some 100,000 of these pebbles make up the heart of the reactor. Graphite as a moderator slows down neutrons and ensures a stable chain reaction.

When a neutron collides with a uranium nucleus, nuclear fission occurs, releasing heat as well as new neutrons. The generated heat is transported by helium gas to a heat exchanger, where water is converted into steam that drives the steam turbine to generate electricity.

HTGR technology results in passive safety: the reactor self-regulates and remains stable, keeping temperatures well below critical thresholds. In the unlikely event of a malfunction, the system automatically shuts down and the reactor cools down without the need for active intervention or external cooling.  

With superior safety and versatility, the HTGR is a clean, reliable and scalable power solution.