Press Release
Greece at the Forefront of the Green Energy Transition: The First Report on Nuclear Energy in the Maritime Sector by the Deon Policy Institute
Contact: Theodora Kachrimanidi
Email: media@deonpolicy.org
Boston, June 26, 2025 — At a time when global shipping is urgently seeking sustainable solutions to achieve its decarbonization targets, Deon Policy Institute presents a pioneering report titled “Nuclear Energy in Maritime: A New Technological Revolution and Greece’s Role.” Co-authored by G. Laskaris, I. Kourasis, S. Hirdaris, and A. Platias, with research supervision by A. Xydi, the report offers an in-depth analysis of the commercial applications of nuclear energy in shipping — from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) — exploring technological readiness, cost, regulatory frameworks, and the potential role of Greece.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis © EPA/CHASIALIS VAIOS
The need for active participation in this global shift is now being recognized at the highest political level. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking recently at the Financial Times and Kathimerini Energy Transition Summit: East Med & South East Europe, emphasized that “we must [...] examine to what extent nuclear technology is an option for shipping within a 10–15 year horizon.”
According to the report, nuclear energy has been used since the 1950s in military and research vessels, and in recent years has emerged as a possible solution for decarbonizing commercial shipping.
Athanasios Platias
Countries such as the U.S., China, Russia, and South Korea are actively investing in nuclear maritime applications, while major global players like Maersk, NYK Line, and Hyundai KSOE are already developing nuclear-powered vessel designs, with maritime tech startups also expanding rapidly.
“There has been a steep rise in interest in nuclear energy — we are witnessing a true ‘nuclear renaissance.’ “ said Athanasios Platias, Professor of Strategy at the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus. He continued, mentioning that “this is reflected in growing global attention. The technological revolution in the nuclear sector now makes it possible to simultaneously achieve energy security, sustainable development, and decarbonization goals.” “This revolution”, he stressed, “is extending to maritime transport, where Greece, as a leading shipping power, can play a key role in the green transition toward nuclear-powered navigation.”
Ioannis Kourasis
The report presents nuclear-powered commercial vessels as a potentially sustainable solution for shipping, offering higher speeds, greater cargo capacity, up to 20 years of autonomy without refueling, and zero carbon emissions. Despite the high upfront investment, the report finds that nuclear-powered vessels may offer cost efficiency over time, particularly for large ship types such as Ultra Large Crude Carriers and Ultra Large Container Vessels, given the long-term fuel savings.
The study also highlights the diverse uses of floating nuclear power plants, including electricity generation for ports and industrial facilities, production of green fuels (hydrogen, ammonia, methanol), desalination, and powering data centers.
According to Ioannis Kourasis, Senior Nuclear Engineer at CORE POWER: “Greece can secure, and benefit from, a seat at the global table of Nuclear Energy. The Floating Nuclear Power Plants we are developing at CORE POWER are an option worth considering for such an energy transition. The future nuclear merchant ships can provide a long-term competitive solution for Greek shipowners.”
Special emphasis is placed on the regulatory framework. Despite existing challenges, international initiatives such as NEMO, ATLAS, and ABS guidelines, along with the need to modernize IMO Regulation A.491(XII), create a window of opportunity for the global maritime community.
Safety is also a core component of the study. Next-generation nuclear technologies include passive safety systems, small emergency zones, and low handling requirements, while full compliance with international treaties on non-proliferation and waste management is assumed.
Spyros Hirdaris, Manager of the Global Ship Systems Center at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), stated: “Establishing a modern regulatory framework is fundamental for safely adapting commercial shipping to today’s demands.”
Spyros Hirdaris
Finally, the report underscores Greece’s potential leadership role in this new energy landscape. With 20% of the global fleet in DWT, growing shipbuilding capabilities, and active diplomacy in international organizations, Greece can help shape the regulatory and operational frameworks of nuclear shipping. The interest shown by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as well as the recent visit of IAEA Director Rafael Grossi to Athens to meet with the Union of Greek Shipowners, highlight Greece’s strategic position in shaping the global nuclear maritime agenda.
George Laskaris, President of the Deon Policy Institute and a nuclear physicist, emphasized:
“In a rapidly changing global environment shaped by geopolitical conflicts and the urgent drive for decarbonization, Greece’s maritime dominance must be safeguarded and further strengthened. At least 7% of Greek GDP and 150,000 well-paid jobs are directly linked to shipping-related activities. Nuclear energy is expected to play a decisive role in this decarbonization process.”
Georgios Laskaris
The Greek Prime Minister’s statement reinforces this message, highlighting the need for institutional preparedness and Greece’s active participation in international alliances on nuclear energy.
About Deon Policy Institute
Founded in 2023 by young Greeks from the Diaspora, the Deon Policy Institute is an independent think tank aiming to become the bridge between the Hellenic Diaspora and Greek policymakers through rigorous research and evidence-based policy proposals.