Energy transition roadmap: Feadship adds nuclear to its horizon with NEMO

Feadship has officially joined the Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO), an international body dedicated to developing fair and effective regulations for the deployment, operation, and decommissioning of floating nuclear power.

This decision builds on the shipyard’s energy transition roadmap, launched in 2020, which outlines Feadship’s pathway toward carbon-neutral yachting. Key milestones already achieved include the adoption of next-generation multi-fuel systems and the integration of fuel cell technology, demonstrating both technological readiness and long-term ambition.

With fourth-generation nuclear reactors approaching maturity, offshore nuclear power production is gaining momentum within the maritime sector. Potential applications from the mid-2030s include floating power barges for synthetic fuel production and zero-emission propulsion for the largest vessels. For Feadship, keeping an open perspective on such transformative technologies is considered essential to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the superyacht industry.

Through dedicated R&D, Feadship has already investigated the potential of nuclear propulsion for yachts, analyzing the technological, regulatory, and operational implications. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain: in addition to costs and crew-related requirements, the absence of clear regulation is the primary obstacle. Critical issues such as radiation dose limits, operational freedom in sensitive ecological zones, and access to densely populated harbours must be addressed before nuclear propulsion can become a realistic option for yachting.

By joining NEMO, Feadship aims to contribute to shaping these regulatory frameworks, in the belief that collaboration, transparency, and proactive regulation are fundamental to responsible energy innovation.

“Yachting has always been about pioneering the future of technology at sea,” said Giedo Loeff, Head of Innovation and Strategy at Feadship. “Joining NEMO aligns with our vision to explore every credible pathway toward a sustainable future. 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.”
With this move, Feadship confirms its commitment to play a leading role in the energy transition of the yachting industry, investing in research and actively engaging in the international debate on emerging technologies.

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