Allseas To Develop SMR in Pivot to Nuclear Energy (video)

By Simon West

Allseas has unveiled a bold five-year plan to design, develop and deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) designed for energy-intensive offshore vessels and onshore industrial clusters.

The initiative, building on four decades of offshore engineering expertise, aims to deliver stable, high-density power to sectors facing mounting decarbonization and energy security pressures. Allseas has chosen high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) in the 25 electric megawatts (MWe) range for safety, zero-emissions output and resilience under extreme conditions.

Allseas said the maritime sector accounts for 3% of global CO₂ emissions, and that alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia currently face limitations in availability, scalability and cost – especially for remote, energy-intensive operations. Nuclear, the company said, can fill that gap.

Onshore, the reactors promise to ease grid congestion and lower energy costs for industrial clusters, offering consistent carbon-free heat and power as renewables fluctuate.

HTGRs use TRISO fuel – tiny poppyseed-sized particles with a uranium oxide core sealed in multiple protective ceramic layers. These layers safely contain fission products, even in extreme conditions. The reactor is “passively safe”, meaning it self-regulates and stays cool without active controls or external cooling, even in the event of a failure.

Allseas is also eyeing circular waste strategies, including graphite reuse and spent fuel reprocessing, to minimize environmental impact.

“As a family-owned company, continuity and preservation for future generations are central to how we work,” said Stephanie Heerema, project manager for nuclear developments at Allseas. “We’ve built our reputation on turning bold ideas into ground-breaking solutions to meet the offshore industry’s evolving needs. That spirit of innovation, grounded in responsibility and reliability, drives everything we do.”

Allseas plans to advance the SMR design this year, followed by prototyping and regulatory engagement with bodies including the Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Lloyd’s Register.

Heerema said the goal was to start production at a dedicated facility by 2030.

“Initial deployment will likely begin on land while offshore regulations are finalized, followed by application on our own vessels and broader industry adoption. This aligns with our own sustainability targets – 30% emissions reduction by 2030, and net-zero operations by 2050.”

Find out more about Allseas’ nuclear technology:



Allseas is a member of the Breakbulk Global Shipper Network. The next in-person meet-up for BGSN members will be at Breakbulk Americas 2025.