The navalmeccanico group Fincantieri and the company of RINA certification and classification, which have an agreement in place of collaboration for the decarbonization of the naval sector ( of 22 March 2022), signed an agreement with London-based Newcleo, which has a research and development centre in Turin and which is engaged in the development of innovative nuclear reactors of IV generation using existing nuclear waste such as fuel, with the aim of cooperating in the feasibility study for nuclear naval propulsion through the application of a closed mini-reactor project for use on large ships, exploiting the technology of small modular reactors cooled to Newcleo lead.

The partners of the agreement explained that the use of the innovative lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) of Newcleo for ship propulsion would involve the installation of a closed mini-reactor on ships that would operate like a small nuclear battery capable of producing power 30 MW electricity. This would require sporadic replenishment. (only once every 10-15 years), very limited maintenance and an easy replacement of the reactor at the end of its life.

Recalling that in recent days at the International Maritime Organization approves the new reduction targets of greenhouse gas emissions produced by ships, to eliminate them by or around 2050 ( of 7 July 2023), newcleo, Fincantieri and RINA highlighted that 'The use of clean nuclear energy to power Ships would help to rapidly decarbonise a sector to taken with the huge consumption of fossil fuels and the consequent carbon emissions'. "Moreover - they have emphasized - The use of nuclear energy on ships safeguards the ecosystem marine in case of accident. With the project of newcleo - have explained the three partners - liquid lead inside the reactor it would solidify by cooling in contact with cold water, enclosing the reactor core in a solid casing, and containing all radiation due to the properties lead screeners. Finally, the naval reactors of Newcleo would eliminate the current need for supplies frequent and, at the end of their life, the entire LFR unit it would simply be removed and replaced with a new one, while the exhausted unit would be taken away for dismantling and reprocessing'.