The shipping sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and international emission targets require substantial changes to maritime transport and the marine industry. However, most carbon-free technologies offer only partial solutions to the emission requirements of ocean-going transport or make the industry's cost structures uncompetitive. In addition, the green production of alternative fuels still faces major challenges in terms of cost-efficiency and scalability.
Nuclear propulsion—i.e. using nuclear energy to power vessel movement—offers a near-zero-emission alternative. Although nuclear-powered ships have been in operation for decades, their use has been primarily limited to military applications.
Advances in next-generation nuclear reactors and nuclear technology have sparked growing interest in civilian nuclear propulsion. This technology holds particular promise for vessels such as icebreakers, a field in which Finland has long been a global leader in design and construction.
Over the past two years, the idea of using nuclear power in maritime transport has gained increasing traction within the marine industry. Ship classification societies, national regulators, and international organisations have begun laying the groundwork for its potential adoption. Furthermore, the political climate both in Europe and globally has become more supportive of nuclear propulsion, as current alternatives have proven inadequate in significantly reducing shipping emissions.
However, broader adoption of nuclear propulsion raises critical questions related to technology, operational planning, safety, and regulation, while also requiring careful consideration of public opinion and political decision-making.
Building a Multidisciplinary Consortium to Advance Civil Nuclear Propulsion
The Co-Creation project is currently in the process of building a consortium for the upcoming, more extensive Co-Innovation phase. More than a dozen industry-leading companies and research institutions have already joined the initiative, and new partners are actively being sought.
Versatile expertise, especially from the marine industry and nuclear energy sectors, is required, as the project covers the whole process life cycle from design to commissioning and decommissioning, while covering all the key questions related to regulation and business models.
The Co-Creation project, funded by Business Finland, is coordinated by the Faculty of Law at the University of Helsinki. A key element of the project is mapping the regulatory framework governing both maritime transport and nuclear energy, as well as identifying emerging regulatory developments. This underscores the pivotal role of the Faculty of Law in the project's success.
Open Call for Collaboration with Companies and Research Organisations
At the University of Helsinki, the project is headed by Professor Kai Kokko, Chair of Environmental Law. It is closely tied to doctoral researcher Roope Marttila’s work on small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear-maritime regulation. Launched in April 2025, the six-month Co-Creation project aims to foster international collaboration and generate meaningful impact both in Finland and worldwide.
All collaboration proposals are warmly welcomed and may be directed to the project coordinator, Roope Marttila.
Additional information:
Roope Marttila, Lead Coordinator, University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 40 718 6688
Email: roope.marttila@helsinki.fi
Project website: https://nsfinlandia.org/