The landmark strategic collaboration focuses on maritime nuclear technology, regulatory compliance, and sustainable innovation.
June 2025
SINGAPORE & HØVIK, NORWAY – Earth 300, a pioneering global environmental organization, and DNV, the world’s leading maritime classification society, today announced a strategic partnership to advance the development of Earth 300’s groundbreaking nuclear powered scientific research vessel.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by senior executives from both organisations at the Nor-Shipping Summit in Norway this month.
The collaboration will focus on three key areas: regulatory compliance and integration of Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology, exploration of innovative maritime solutions, and joint research initiatives in projects of mutual interest.
Revolutionary Maritime Science Platform
Earth 300 is developing an unprecedented nuclear-powered research vessel designed as a floating laboratory for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. The ship will be equipped with state-of-the-art frontier technologies to inspire ecological awareness and drive collective action on sustainability while pioneering the use of atomic energy at sea to support maritime fleet decarbonization.
“This partnership with DNV represents a crucial milestone in bringing our vision to reality,” said Aaron Olivera, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Earth 300. “Their expertise in maritime classification and nuclear technology regulation will be instrumental in navigating the complex challenges of developing the world’s first ever nuclear-powered civilian research vessel.”
Expertise in Maritime Innovation
DNV brings decades of experience as a global leader in risk management and assurance across maritime, energy, and other critical industries. The company is at the forefront of maritime decarbonization research, autonomous ship technology, and digital transformation initiatives.
“We are excited to work in partnership with Earth 300,” said Trond Hodne, Business Director at DNV for its global Maritime business. “Which brings together our expertise and their ambition to advance sustainable maritime operations, including taking a step forward in evaluating nuclear energy’s role in maritime. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to the development of robust regulatory frameworks and technical standards that can support the industry’s long-term decarbonization goals.”
Key Collaboration Areas
The partnership will encompass several critical development phases:
Regulatory Compliance and MSR Integration: The parties will work together to address regulatory challenges affecting maritime nuclear technology, with the goal of achieving Approval in Principle (AiP) for the innovative vessel design.
Technological Innovation: DNV will provide ongoing updates on new solutions and energy efficiency technologies relevant to advanced research vessels, focusing on automation, efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.
Joint Research Initiatives: Both organizations will collaborate on projects of mutual interest related to Earth 300 ship operations and complementary shore-based activities.
About Earth 300
Earth 300 is a global environmental organization centered around developing a nuclear-powered scientific research vessel designed as a floating laboratory for state-of-the-art science, exploration, and innovation at sea. The organization’s mission is to inspire ecological awareness and collective action on sustainability while pioneering atomic energy applications in maritime operations.
About DNV
DNV is a global, independent expert in risk management and assurance, delivering services across maritime, energy, healthcare, food, and other critical industries. As the leading maritime classification society and technical advisor, DNV provides comprehensive services to ensure safety, quality, and environmental performance of ships and offshore units while driving innovation in maritime decarbonization and autonomous technologies.
Earth 300 Mission Partners
