RESEARCH
SFI SAINT (2026-2034)
PARTILHA
The SFI-SAINT project — Centre for Research-based Innovation for Sustainable Applied and Industrialized Nuclear Technology (2026–2034) — involves the creation of a Center for Sustainable and Industrialized Nuclear Technology in Norway.
Funded by the Norwegian Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI) program, its goal is to foster innovation by supporting long-term research through close collaboration between R&D-intensive companies and internationally renowned research institutions.
Estimated Project Value: EUR 22,575,166.77
The researchers from the Infante D. Henrique Nautical School (ENIDH) are Professors Luís Baptista (Principal Investigator), Pedro Teodoro, Sandrina Pereira, and João Morim.
- NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway) - (coordinator)
- UiB – University of Bergen (Norway)
- DNV - Det Norske Veritas (Norway)
- IFE -Institute for Energy Technology (Norway)
- University of Oslo (Norway)
- ENIDH and NuProShip II Consortium (Portugal/International)
Challenges
1) Research on alternative marine fuels fails to account for their availability (a critical omission);
1) Research on alternative marine fuels fails to account for their availability (a critical omission);
2) Nuclear propulsion through pressurized water reactors (PWR) is well established, but has not been successful in the merchant navy;
3) A new (never attempted) path is required, with increased challenges, as ships:
- Move from port to port while also being tossed by waves;
- Operate across multiple jurisdictions;
- Face load variations that require frequent power increases and decreases;
- Have limited space;
- Are inaccessible from land while at sea;
- Must be economically viable to compete with heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine gas oil (MGO).
Goals
1) Ensure the role of the Norwegian maritime cluster in utilizing nuclear technology for the decarbonization of the maritime industry, based on agreed and acceptable international standards for the protection and safety of our global environment;
1) Ensure the role of the Norwegian maritime cluster in utilizing nuclear technology for the decarbonization of the maritime industry, based on agreed and acceptable international standards for the protection and safety of our global environment;
2) Lay the groundwork for demonstration projects;
3) Education of engineers and training of seafarers;
4) Conduct world-class research and train PhD candidates;
5) Develop industries that can benefit from knowledge transfer:
- Contribute to the nuclear industry in all possible areas;
- Offshore and energy-intensive industries;
- Promote the understanding of nuclear technology in Norway.
Summary
The SFI aims to strengthen the innovation capacity of Norwegian trade and industry through research that addresses long-term needs, challenges, and future value-creation opportunities. Research will consistently be conducted through binding, long-term cooperation between research organizations and companies, preferably including the public sector. This high-level international research will provide the foundation for innovation and increased value creation within Norwegian commerce and industry. SAINT's vision is to develop the expertise necessary to position Norwegian industry to apply and capitalize on SMR (Small Modular Reactor) technology for maritime applications.
The SFI aims to strengthen the innovation capacity of Norwegian trade and industry through research that addresses long-term needs, challenges, and future value-creation opportunities. Research will consistently be conducted through binding, long-term cooperation between research organizations and companies, preferably including the public sector. This high-level international research will provide the foundation for innovation and increased value creation within Norwegian commerce and industry. SAINT's vision is to develop the expertise necessary to position Norwegian industry to apply and capitalize on SMR (Small Modular Reactor) technology for maritime applications.
The project's motivation includes: the power grid lacks sufficient energy to supply green ammonia; large ships require 3,000 MWh per day—equivalent to the world's largest grid battery; batteries are limited to smaller applications or peak shaving; and the choice remains between current fossil technology and nuclear propulsion.
The center's primary objectives are:
- To ensure the Norwegian maritime cluster's role in utilizing nuclear technology for decarbonizing the maritime industry, based on agreed international standards for safety and global environmental protection;
- To establish the foundation for demonstration projects;
- To develop industries that benefit from knowledge transfer;
- To provide training for engineers and seafarers;
- To conduct world-class research and train PhD candidates;
- To contribute to the nuclear, offshore, and energy-intensive industries while promoting nuclear technology knowledge in Norway.
Challenges to overcome include:
- Research on alternative fuels often ignores availability—a critical omission;
- Nuclear propulsion using PWR (Pressurized Water Reactors) is well-established but has lacked success in commercial shipping.
A new (untried) path is required, facing specific maritime challenges:
- Ships move between ports while being tossed by waves;
- They operate across multiple jurisdictions;
- They require high load variation, necessitating power ramps;
- Space is extremely limited;
- They are inaccessible from land while at sea;
- They must be economically viable to compete with HFO (Heavy Fuel Oil) and MGO (Marine Gas Oil).
Work Packages (WP) and Cost Centers (CC): WP1: Compliance and Regulations; WP2: Nuclear Technology WP3: From Heat to Propulsion; WP4: Integration and Ship; WP5: Maritime Operations; WP6: Establishing PWR Benchmark; WP7: Stakeholder Engagement; WP8: Business Aspects; CC9: Education and Training; CC10: Center Administration and Dissemination ENIDH's central role is integrated into CC9 and dissemination activities.
