Netherlands-based Allseas, a global contractor in the offshore energy market, has launched a five-year plan to design, develop and deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) tailored for integration into offshore vessels and for onshore use.
Allseas has selected high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technology for a plant with a 25 MWe capacity using TRISO (TRI-structural ISOtropic) fuel.
Allseas has set out a five-year roadmap. “In the first year, we will finalise initial design studies for offshore and onshore use. This will be followed by prototype development and pre-licensing discussions in consultation with key stakeholders.” These include:
- Regulators such as the Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety & Radiation Protection (ANVS – De Autoriteit Nucleaire Veiligheid en Stralingsbescherming), International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
- Safety and classification bodies including Lloyd’s Register; and
- Research and innovation partners including the Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO – Nederlandse organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek), NRG PALLAS, Delft University of Technology, and the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR – Koninklijke Vereniging van Nederlands Reders).
According to the Allseas website, the timeline is as follows:
- 2025–2026: Design studies and start of pre-licensing with ANVS
- 2027–2028: Basic & detailed design; and testing
- 2029–2030: Start of production at dedicated facility
- From 2030: Initial deployment on land, followed by offshore roll-out
“Our goal is to start production at a dedicated facility by 2030,” said Stephanie Heerema, Project Manager Nuclear Developments at Allseas. “Initial deployment will likely begin on land while offshore regulations are finalised, 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.”
She added: “As a family-owned company, continuity and preservation for future generations are central to how we work. 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.”
Responsible waste management is central to Allseas’ long-term plan. Hence, Allseas is exploring circular approaches, such as the reuse of graphite and reprocessing of used TRISO fuel, to further reduce environmental impact, ensuring waste management remains a key consideration throughout the SMR lifecycle.
“Delft University of Technology has been working on an inherently safe microreactor based on HTR technology for more than 10 years. We are therefore delighted to contribute to a practical application of this technology,” noted Jan Leen Kloosterman, Professor of Nuclear Reactor Physics and Department Head Radiation Science & Technology at Delft University of Technology.
“NRG PALLAS has been involved in safety demonstration of pebble fuel containing TRISO. This has been successfully demonstrated for several clients in our High Flux Reactor in Petten. TRISO fuel has proven in several countries to be robust and safe under various conditions,” said Frederic Blom, Manager Nuclear Compliance & Projects at NRG PALLAS.
“Nuclear provides a true zero carbon solution for maritime without compromising on performance, Lloyd’s Register is seeing a growing recognition of this in industry and is proud to support Allseas in this groundbreaking project,” said Mark Tipping, Global Power to X Director at Lloyd’s Register.
“This technology is key to achieve the energy transition and strategic autonomy in the maritime and offshore sector,” said Maarten Tossings, Chief Operating Officer at TNO. “In parallel, it strengthens the long-term competitiveness of Dutch and European industry.”
Annet Koster, Managing Director at KVNR, noted: “Pioneering this technology offers the Netherlands – as a seafaring nation – the opportunity to develop an innovative global export product and become a leader in net zero shipping,” says “It also contributes to Europe’s broader goals of enhancing energy security, boosting industrial competitiveness, and building strategic autonomy.”
While the Allseas website has very general information on nuclear, HTGR reactors and TRISO fuel, there are no technical details of the planned reactor apart from conceptual diagrams. Even with co-operation from the organisations listed, going from conceptual design to deployment in five years seems highly ambitious for a company with no background in nuclear technology.
