Is yachting ready for nuclear propulsion?

From hydrogen and HVO to hybrid and solar, the quest for sustainable propulsion solutions has been a central focus in the yachting industry in recent years. Yet, a definitive, one-size-fits-all answer remains elusive. Could nuclear power be the breakthrough? This pivotal question will be one of the headlining discussions at the Superyacht Design Festival in Kitzbühel on 2-4 February, 2025.

During the festival, a panel of leading experts, designers, and regulators will take the stage to tackle this multifaceted topic, examining emerging technologies, potential opportunities, safety considerations, and regulatory challenges shaping the future of green propulsion.

The panel includes representatives from all corners of the industry, including Dr. Spyros Hirdaris, Manager, Global Ship Systems Centre (Corporate Technology), ABS Hellenic SM LLC and Jo Assael, Yachts Commercial Director, International Registries Inc, who will be examining regulation and classification challenges.

Joining them will be Wesley Deason from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, a company specialising in micro modular nuclear reactors. Deason, who manages Ultrasafe's Pylon Program with a focus on marine sector solutions, will discuss next-gen nuclear technology and how it could be applied to luxury yachts.  Finally, Øyvind Gjerde Kamsvåg, chief designer, Ulstein International, will show how nuclear propulsion could change yacht design, explaining the thought behind his Thorium-powered zero-emission concepts, THOR and SIF.

The Superyacht Design Festival 2025 will see some of the biggest names in design come together with experts from the wider luxury community for exciting discussions, plus a social programme, the Design & Innovation Awards, the Young Designer of the Year Award, the BOAT Artistry and Craft Awards and the famous Ski Cup.

Attendees can look forward to valuable networking opportunities and an engaging two-day programme that explores every facet of design. Other talks include a keynote by world-renowned product-turned-yacht-designer Yves Béhar, presentations by kinetic artist Zolty, an update on Project Zero, a fireside chat with superyacht owners and designer Andrew Winch, a panel discussion on composite hull innovation and a special talk from the designers of the Paris Olympics’ silver horse that ‘flew’ along the River Seine at the opening ceremony with the aid of a semi-submerged catamaran.

New speakers are being announced all the time, and tickets are selling fast, so click below to find out more and buy tickets.