On Tuesday 17 November 2026, and in collaboration with KIVI and Maritime & Offshore NL, KNVTS will host a public discussion on the Superyacht Stage on one of the most promising and widely debated developments in the maritime energy transition: nuclear propulsion.
The session will bring together experts from industry, research, and classification to explore how developments in the broader maritime sector could help shape the future of the superyacht industry.
The lecture is titled: Opportunities for nuclear propulsion in the superyacht industry – What can the superyacht industry learn from nuclear developments in the maritime sector? It will be moderated by Lotte Monhemius of Maritime & Offshore NL.
Nuclear propulsion becoming more concrete
Nuclear propulsion is one of the most energy-dense and technically advanced options currently being explored in the context of maritime decarbonisation. Although the technology is still at a relatively early stage of development, knowledge and expertise within the Dutch maritime sector are developing rapidly. Increasing attention to improved safety concepts and the potential for near-zero emissions is also driving growing interest from the superyacht industry.
Recent developments are shaping the future direction of nuclear propulsion. In particular, the emergence of small modular reactors (SMRs) offers a more standardised, scalable and potentially feasible approach to applying nuclear energy on board ships. These developments indicate a shift from a largely conceptual discussion towards more concrete and applicable technological pathways.
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Discussion from a maritime technology perspective
This public discussion explores nuclear propulsion from a maritime technology perspective, combining established knowledge with ongoing innovation. At the same time, the application of nuclear propulsion in the superyacht sector comes with significant challenges. These include stringent safety requirements, regulatory and classification frameworks, infrastructure needs, and societal acceptance. Furthermore, integration into yacht design and operations requires careful consideration, given the specific characteristics of this segment.
The aim of this discussion is to explore how the emerging developments of SMR technologies may open up new possibilities for future applications in the superyacht industry.
- Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026
- Start: 11:30
- End: 12:45
- Location: Superyacht stage | Superyacht pavilion, METSTRADE 2026
- Address: RAI Amsterdam, Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Ticket cost: free
Image created by ChatGPT.
