Atomarine
Nuclear Shipping Without the Hurdles
Introduction
We are developing large, standardized mobile nuclear-powerplants that operate exclusively in international waters. These ships provide clean energy to conventional cargo ships at sea across the long-haul ocean segments.
Problem
Global shipping accounts for nearly 3% of all CO₂ emissions, contributing to tens to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year due to air pollution. At the same time, over 80% of world trade depends on maritime transport with razor-thin margins. So, as international carbon pricing schemes gain momentum, the shipping industry faces increasing economic pressure — with profound implications for the global economy.
Despite this urgency, most proposed alternatives fall short. Technologies like carbon capture, LNG, or wind-assisted propulsion cannot fully decarbonize. Others, such as hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels, push the problem to their supply chains that are either non-existent or not scalable, and only green if downstream energy is low-carbon. Nuclear is a promising source of energy but is presented with regulatory and financial challenges. The industry lacks a truly viable, zero-emissions propulsion solution that is both technologically feasible and economically sustainable at scale.
Opportunity
Our solution enables clean energy for upwards of 95% of a cargo ship's trip with minimal conversions to its desing. The first mile and last mile are handled with traditional propulsion. Our model eliminates key adoption barriers:
• No port access limitations, as the nuclear ships remain in international waters.
• Improved public perception, as activities are kept far from coastal populations.
• No retrofitting required, removing adoption barriers and extending ship lifetimes
• Attractive economics thanks to the use of standardized tugs that tow multiple ships simultaneously, lowering cost per nautical mile.