Nuclear could become a viable option for long-term vessel power

Ulstein International chief designer Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg said owners could convert vessels to operate in the global subsea support market promptly, instead of ordering newbuilds.

He also suggested installing engines ready to burn alternative fuels to diesel, in a video interview on the sidelines of Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Subsea Conference, in London, UK, on 2 February 2026.

However, there are challenges that owners, naval architects and shipyards need to overcome, such as complying with legislation and class requirements, when retrofitting vessels for the subsea support market.

Nonetheless, several owners are interested in repurposing vessels due to the increasingly high price of newbuilds and the length of time before delivery.

Ulstein is offering to convert vessels for using alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and potentially nuclear power, which could last the lifetime of a vessel.