
SNAME Monthly Meeting Thursday 23rd January, at 19:00 Reserve Your Seat Auditorium: V.Ships Greece Ltd, Piliou 1, 185 41, Piraeus, Greece Location |
From Atoms to Oceans:
The Role of Nuclear Technology in Shipping
The global maritime industry stands at a critical juncture, with increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and meet stringent environmental regulations. Among the myriad of alternative energy solutions being explored, nuclear propulsion emerges as a compelling option, offering the potential for zero-emission, high-efficiency power generation. While nuclear technology has successfully powered naval vessels and icebreakers for decades, its adoption in commercial shipping remains a complex and ambitious challenge. This session aims to revisit the principles, advancements, and feasibility of nuclear technology as a transformative solution for the shipping industry’s energy transition.
Nuclear propulsion offers unparalleled energy density and endurance, making it particularly suitable for large ships operating on long-haul routes. However, its implementation raises critical questions about safety, regulatory compliance, economic viability, and public acceptance.
As the shipping sector looks beyond traditional fuels toward innovative propulsion systems, this session provides a platform for maritime engineers, regulators, and stakeholders to engage in a thoughtful dialogue on the role of nuclear technology. By bridging the gap between atoms and oceans, we can envision a future where nuclear propulsion contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable maritime industry while maintaining the reliability and efficiency that global trade demands.
Meet the Speaker

Mr Harilaos Petrakakos
Co-Founder and Director
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ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Co-Founder and Director – P&P Marine Consultants Inc.
SNAME Greek Section – Fundraising and Scholarships Chairman
Chairman of SNAME T&R Panel on Nuclear Propulsion
Since 1977, Harilaos Petrakakos has been a trusted Marine Consultant, providing support to shipowners, banks, and insurance companies. His expertise spans various fields, including Shipbuilding, Marine Claims (Cargo, Hull, Machinery, Collisions, Fires, and Sinkings), and Technical Management.
He has delivered lectures to shipyards on Shipbuilding Quality and Contracts and has guided numerous shipping firms in the development of their ISM documentation. As a presenter, Harilaos has spoken at multiple maritime forums on a wide range of topics.
Throughout his career, he has successfully protected the interests of his principals globally. His hands-on approach involves boarding vessels, overseeing operations, recommending corrective actions, evaluating crew suitability and attitudes, and delivering comprehensive reports.
Harilaos holds two Master of Science degrees from MIT: one in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and another in Shipping and Shipbuilding Management.
He continues to advise both Greek and international shipping firms on energy efficiency solutions and serves as an external auditor for shipowners and private equity funds, assessing the condition of vessels and their crews.
An active member of the maritime community, Harilaos has been part of SNAME since 1974, The Propeller Club of Piraeus, the Piraeus Association for Maritime Arbitration, and the MIT Alumni Club of Greece. He is also a founding member and board member of the MIT Enterprise Forum in Greece.
Currently, he serves as Chairman of SNAME Greek Section Fundraising and Scholarships Committee. Additionally, he is the Chairman of the Panel M-48 on “Atomic Power in Commercial Ships.”
As an advocate for marine conservation, Harilaos spends his free time removing plastics from the sea wherever he swims.
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