MarNuPS Nuclear Propulsion Project Advances Towards Integrated Testing

Summary

Norway’s Research Council has awarded NOK20 million to the MarNuPS nuclear propulsion project, supporting development of an integrated energy system for offshore vessels. Led by Emerald Nuclear Norway, the consortium plans non-nuclear testing in 2027, with Island Offshore targeting a first vessel installation in 2031–32 after further development and qualification.

Funding supports the next development stage

The MarNuPS nuclear propulsion project is moving towards physical system testing after securing approximately NOK20 million, equivalent to around US$2 million, from the Research Council of Norway.

The award supports a consortium led by Emerald Nuclear Norway, the Norwegian subsidiary of US-based Emerald Nuclear. Partners include Island Offshore, VARD Group, Vard Electro, NTNU, Imperial College London and machinery-monitoring specialist Maskindynamikk.

The grant represents a contribution towards a substantially larger programme. The first research phase is estimated to cost around NOK150 million, with participating organisations providing additional financing.

The immediate objective is to assess how the proposed nuclear energy source would interact with the electrical, storage and control systems required for vessel operation.

First tests will use simulated reactor heat

The consortium plans to establish an integrated test facility at Stette, near Ålesund, in 2027.

A full-scale representation of the shipboard propulsion system will be assembled using electric heating instead of nuclear fuel. This arrangement will allow the partners to investigate system behaviour without operating a nuclear reactor.

The proposed installation combines Emerald Nuclear’s 5 MWe Gem microreactor technology with energy storage, power conversion, vessel power management, automation and bridge controls.

Testing will examine normal operations, rapid changes in power demand, transient conditions, system performance and crew interaction.

This stage addresses integration rather than demonstrating an operating nuclear-powered ship. It should help identify how components respond together before the programme proceeds towards subsequent development milestones.

Vessel operator brings practical requirements

Island Offshore intends to become the first shipowner to install the proposed reactor and energy system, with deployment targeted for 2031–32.

Its involvement gives the programme an operating-company perspective alongside reactor development and ship design. The owner’s contribution is intended to help ensure that the system reflects offshore operating requirements and the needs of crews.

For an operator, power generation is only one part of the requirement. The complete installation must support dependable vessel service, planned maintenance and changes in operational demand.

The commercial assessment will therefore depend on the performance of the integrated arrangement, rather than the reactor’s rated output alone. The deployment date remains a target within a longer development and qualification process.

Microreactor concept includes a leasing approach

Emerald Nuclear is developing its Gem concept for applications including ships and barges.

The proposed design uses TRISO-coated uranium fuel particles. Its commercial concept envisages reactor replacement at extended intervals and a leasing model rather than straightforward reactor sales.

Such a model would make long-term service arrangements an important part of the proposition to shipowners.

For prospective users, questions would extend from acquisition and operating costs to responsibilities for maintenance, replacement and end-of-service arrangements. These considerations will influence how an eventual commercial offering is structured.

Earlier studies provide the foundation

MarNuPS follows previous Norwegian work under the NTNU-led NuProShip programme.

In January 2026, VARD presented a NuProShip II case study examining nuclear propulsion for specialised offshore vessels. The collaboration involved DNV, Emerald Nuclear, Vard Electro, Island Offshore and NTNU.

NuProShip I concluded at the end of 2024, with the second phase continuing the investigation into maritime applications. Its published work identified engagement with regulators and stakeholders as a significant requirement because ships operate across jurisdictions.

The new pilot adds a physical testing stage to that research base. It is intended to generate evidence that design analysis alone cannot provide.

Test results will shape the next decisions

The financing marks progress towards an experimental installation, while commercial deployment remains a later objective.

For the consortium, the next milestone is assembling the planned test system and evaluating its response under representative conditions. Results should inform engineering changes, further qualification work and decisions about vessel integration.

For shipping, the project provides a defined programme through which an emerging propulsion concept can be examined against practical operating requirements. Its significance will depend on the evidence produced as development proceeds.

FAQs

Who leads MarNuPS?

Emerald Nuclear Norway, working with maritime companies and research institutions.

How much funding has been awarded?

NOK20 million from the Research Council of Norway.

Will the first tests involve nuclear fuel?

No. The planned 2027 facility will use electric heating.

Which shipowner is involved?

Island Offshore, which is targeting a first installation in 2031–32.

Does the grant approve commercial nuclear-powered vessel operations?

No. It supports research and development towards integrated testing.