Could atomic energy transform superyachting? Feadship has been asking itself this very question. Although it may sound far-fetched, nuclear-powered superyachts might be capable of becoming reality, just as naval vessels around the world currently rely on the technology.
To explore the possibilities, Feadship has joined the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO). The international organization brings together companies specializing in nuclear energy as well as vessel design, construction, and operation. Collectively, members participate in technical and regulatory working groups, ultimately sharing insight with other organizations globally. The goal is to ensure that robust, appropriate regulations develop, allowing the technology to help counteract climate change. Already, some classification societies have issued white papers stating that nuclear power is a pathway to decarbonization. The challenge is, gaps exist between current nuclear applications and the full spectrum of the maritime sector.
Briefly, nuclear power—in use aboard aircraft carriers, submarines, and other vessels—works differently than traditional diesel engines. Instead of consuming fuel, nuclear reactors create heat that transfers to water. This creates high-pressure steam, which in turn drives turbines, rotating the propellers and generating electricity for systems. It therefore produces no greenhouse gas emissions. According to Feadship, the newer generations of nuclear reactors may lead to the development of offshore power barges for synthetic fuel production as early as the mid-2030s. Similarly, it believes the application could extend to zero-emission propulsion for superyachts around the same time.
That said, however, the technology is not without its challenges, something Feadship readily admits. For instance, nuclear-powered superyachts will require specialized crew training. Economic obstacles exist, too, requiring a lot of research and development, plus cost to owners. Above all, the regulatory environment is the biggest challenge, on national and international levels. Questions remain about radiation dose limits, operations in sensitive ecological areas, and access to densely populated harbors.
Feadship’s R&D division, which has explored a variety of future-proofing methods with concept designs like Relativity (top), has familiarized itself with these obstacles and believes that participating in NEMO will help find solutions. Simultaneously, the builder believes having a say in regulatory frameworks helps lead to responsible advancements. As Giedo Loeff (above), Feadship’s Head of Innovation and Strategy, notes, “Yachting has always been about pioneering the future of technology at sea.” He continues, “Nuclear power may not be tomorrow’s solution for superyachts, but it could be part of the long-term horizon—and it is our responsibility to help shape that possibility in a safe and sustainable way.”
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