Seatransport and Lloyd’s Register advance hybrid nuclear power

AUSTRALIAN ship design group Seatransport Pty Ltd has received ‘approval in principle’ (AiP) from classification group Lloyd’s Register for a hybrid nuclear ready power concept.

The design enables nuclear micro modular reactors (MMRs) to be combined with conventional diesel-electric systems for 73-metre and 90-metre amphibious stern landing vessel (SLV) designs.

The AiP is said to have followed several years of close collaboration between LR and Seatransport.

Seatransport, formed by three former Scottish seafarers in 1976, initially focussed on practical designs for remote areas of the southwest Pacific and northern Australia.

Chief executive Stuart Ballantyne said the AiP marked “a pivotal moment for amphibious vessel design”.

“By working closely with LR, we’ve integrated nuclear MMR capability into our proven SLV platform, future-proofing it for extended endurance, operational flexibility and low-emission performance,” Mr Ballantyne said.

“We do believe that for all shipowners, this is a paradigm shift in marine technology greater than sail to steam.”

Sea trials of the conventionally powered SLV confirmed the design assumptions used in the MMR concept.

Seatransport’s SLV platform is said to be already well established, with “more than 25 years of successful operations”.

By incorporating a hybrid nuclear-ready capability, the vessels are said to gain effectively unlimited operational range, significantly reduced reliance on conventional fuels, and extended endurance for sustained missions.

This approach is said to enhance operational flexibility, deliver low-emission performance and enable reliable operation in demanding environments.

The MMRs under consideration range from 1.2 MW to 2.6 MW and are undergoing “rigorous technical and regulatory assessment”.

Lloyd’s Register technical authority for nuclear, Jez Sims, said achieving AiP for hybrid nuclear power was “an exciting step for LR and the wider maritime industry”.

“We are proud to provide independent technical assurance, drawing on decades of expertise in regulatory compliance, vessel design and nuclear safety,” he said.

“Our role is to help the industry move forward with confidence — turning pioneering ideas into safe, practical solutions.”

Through this collaboration, LR continues to demonstrate global leadership in nuclear marine propulsion, hybrid technologies and next-generation vessel assurance— helping shape a safer, cleaner future for maritime operations.

The innovative designs of their medium speed ropax catamarans and Stern Landing Vessels have secured customers in 47 countries, many of them repeat customers.