Bureau Veritas to provide Technology Qualification support on a Gen. IV floating nuclear project consortium

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has joined a consortium with newcleo and ABMI Groupe to develop the conceptual design of a floating nuclear power solution based on newcleo’s Generation IV reactor technology, as part of a project selected under the French call-for-projects “Supporting the decarbonization of the French maritime sector”, managed by BPIFrance.

BV will be providing technology qualification services to the project, named “n-Floating”, and will bring it  together with the advanced nuclear technology company newcleo, and ABMI Groupe, a French engineering company with expertise in both the maritime and nuclear sectors. The consortium has been awarded almost €1 million in funding under the program. Work has already begun and is expected to run for approximately 18 months.

The project aims to demonstrate the relevance and technical feasibility of an innovative floating nuclear power solution, consisting of a non-self-propelled floating unit housing newcleo’s Gen. IV lead-cooled fast reactors (LFR-AS-200), an advanced reactor technology designed to enhance sustainability, resource efficiency while complying to all safety, security and safeguards requirements. Each reactor will deliver an electrical output of 200 MWe. The consortium will develop the conceptual design of a nuclear barge incorporating multiple 200 MWe reactors.

Designed with industrialization and deployment at scale in mind, the concept will draw on the extensive experience and established capabilities of the maritime and offshore industries. It will leverage proven approaches developed by the Oil & Gas sector for the design, construction and operation of floating infrastructure for energy production, storage, liquefaction and regasification. By combining mature maritime capabilities with advanced nuclear technology, the project aims to develop a standardized, deployable and competitive solution for low-carbon energy generation at sea and in coastal locations.

The initial phase will focus on conceptual studies for the nuclear barge, assessing its potential to deliver reliable, zero-emission and competitive energy across a range of applications. These include supplying isolated regions, ports and associated industrial hubs and coastal areas, as well as supporting energy-intensive applications such as desalination and the production of low-carbon fuels.

Bureau Veritas will contribute its expertise in classification, risk assessment and technology qualification, supporting the evaluation of safety, regulatory and technical considerations associated with the development of floating nuclear applications.

Stefano Buono, CEO of newcleo, said: “Maritime deployment of advanced reactors opens a broader and still largely unexplored market for nuclear energy. Floating nuclear offers an opportunity to bring reliable, low-carbon power to applications at sea and in coastal locations. Working with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore and ABMI Groupe brings together highly complementary nuclear, maritime and engineering expertise, and the support of Bpifrance provides important recognition to develop this project within a French industrial context with deep international credibility.”

François Laborde, Chief Executive Officer of ABMI Groupe, said: "n-Floating brings together complementary expertise to explore new pathways for low-carbon maritime energy solutions. While newcleo brings its reactor technology and Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore provides maritime regulatory expertise, ABMI Groupe brings engineering and project delivery experience gained across complex industrial programs in the maritime and nuclear sectors. Through this work, we aim to support the development of a solution designed and built in France, contributing to the country's industrial and energy transition ambitions.”