When discussing nuclear propulsion in yachting, engineering ambition must be matched by legal architecture.

Ezio Dal Maso, an experienced maritime lawyer advising across the international shipping and yacht sectors, approaches the topic from a pragmatic stand point: innovation is possible, but only if supported by updated regulatory frameworks, clear liability conventions, and workable port access protocols.

As geopolitical and technological conditions evolve, he arguesthat the legalconversation can no longer remain anchored to Cold War-era assumptions.

PressMare - Given the strict regulatory, safety, and environmental concerns around nuclear propulsion, how would you balance innovation with risk—both for the owner/user and for broader reputational or regulatory exposure for the yacht designer/shipyard?

Ezio Dal Maso - The adoption of nuclear propulsion could dramatically reduce emissions and set new standards for sustainable yachting, but only if supported by robust, adapted legal, regulatory, and insurance structures. The current regulatory environment for nuclear propulsion on board merchant ships and yachts is shaped by a patchwork of international conventions adopted in the post World Warr II and Cold War era. They were all based on assumptions and technologies from the 1970s and 1980s and highly influenced by the worry that a global nuclear world may happen. Also, the few global superpowers that had access to the technology wanted to prevent others to access it and some major accidents occurred on land power plants created opposition by the public opinion. The most important texts in this respect do not address the realities of new technologies such as modern small modular reactors (SMRs), nor do they provide clear guidance on port access, fuel logistics, or liability and insurance for private vessels.

The situation today is, however, significantly different from a geopolitical and technological point of view and it’s time to move in the direction of adoption of nuclear in shipping and yachting.

This trend is acknowledged by recent resolutions of the International Maritime Organisation that has agreed to revise the 1981 Nuclear Ship Code, a text which sets out the general safety principles and principles of risk acceptance. This is a pivotal moment: the yachting industry has a unique opportunity to work with regulators to shape a new, goal-based framework that balances the need for safety, environmental stewardship, and innovation.

For owners, designers, and shipyards, the path forward is clear. Leading classification societiesare engaging with regulators and flag states to help develop practical port entry protocols. By doing so, we can manage risk responsibly while enabling the next wave of technological progress.

Regulation and classification hurdles

PM - What do you see as the main regulatory or classification challenges that must be addressed before nuclear propulsion can become viable in the superyacht sector—both in terms of international maritime law and classification societies? And what steps would you consider most important to move those conversations forward?

EDM - The main regulatory and classification challenges are threefold:

Legal and regulatory gaps: Existing conventions (UNCLOS, SOLAS, MARPOL, IAEA standards) are outdated and lack provisions for new reactors and private vessels. There is no comprehensive, harmonized framework for licensing, crew qualification, port access, or owner’s liability in case of accident. The lack of certainty is an obstacle to investment. 
Classification society readiness: Most classification societies have limited experience with nuclear vessels given that virtually all vessels already navigating are state owned or part of the fleet of the navies of the states that have access to nuclear energy. They will need to develop new rules for design, construction, and operation, in close coordination with the IMO and IAEA.
Insurance and liability:standard marine insurance excludes nuclear risks. Without clear liability conventions and insurance products, financing and operation will remain challenging.

To move forward, the industry must:

Collaborate with the IMO and IAEA as they revise the Nuclear Ship Code, ensuring that new standards are practical and reflect modern technology. Most maritime conventions, however, assume the merchant navy as reference. The yachting industry needs to be heard, or it may not be able to fully exploit the changes that will be adopted.

Work with classification societies to develop nuclear-ready rules and emergency protocols onboard and in port.
Engage with Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) such as Bpifrance, SACE, Eksfin, UKEF, and others, which have shown willingness to support advanced and sustainable maritime projects. Their involvement can help de-risk early projects and attract private finance.
Advocate for the creation of specialized insurance pools and clear liability frameworks.
By taking these steps, the sector can create a viable pathway for nuclear propulsion in yachting.

Market demand &owner acceptability

PM - What is your sense of owner demand for truly zero-emission or radically low-emission propulsion systems? Do you think there are owners who would accept nuclear propulsion on yachts not only from a performance but also from a perception standpoint? What communication challenges do you foresee (public concerns, insurance, port access, etc.)?

EDM - There is a growing segment of yacht owners who are genuinely committed to zero-emission or radically lowemission propulsion, motivated by both environmental responsibility and the desire for technological leadership. Paradoxically, it may be easier for a private yacht owner to pioneer nuclear propulsion than for a major commercial shipping line. Large shipping companies face complex stakeholder environments and significant reputational risks, making them more cautious about adopting new technologies if not supported by a strong business case.

For yacht owners, the decision is more personal and can be driven by a vision for exploration, autonomy, and sustainability. Individual yacht owners may be able to finance the project themselves, while shipping companies are unlikely to launch such a vast investment without the support of commercial banks. However, perception challenges remain significant: public concerns about nuclear safety, insurance market hesitation, and the need for clear port access protocols are all real hurdles.

Effective communication will be critical. Owners, designers, and shipyards must be transparent about safety measures, regulatory compliance, and environmental benefits. Engaging with local communities, regulators, and the broader public early in the process will help build trust and acceptance. Ultimately, as regulatory clarity improves and successful pilot projects emerge, market acceptance will grow.

Filippo Ceragioli