Billionaires could soon sail for a decade without ever refueling thanks to this radical nuclear-powered luxury vessel
Published on Feb 08, 2026 at 5:33 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 05, 2026 at 10:04 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
If you are a billionaire looking to save money, you may soon be able to, thanks to a radical nuclear-powered luxury vessel that may never need refuelling.
The luxury yacht and superyacht segment is filled with all sorts of crazy vessels, but British studio ThirtyC has come up with something that may transform the market.
This is the ION concept, a superyacht designed around a remarkable nuclear power system, dispensing with diesel engines that many yacht owners are familiar with.
While only a concept right now, this yacht could ensure owners can sail all around the world in fine luxury, without having to refuel.
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The nuclear-powered luxury vessel is currently just a concept
Currently, the luxury vessel is just a concept.
But at the heart of the superyacht is a NOxFree Unity nuclear module.
This is a one-megawatt-class micro-reactor, which the company says is a container-sized ‘nuclear battery’, designed to operate for years without ever refueling.
Plus, it produces no onboard greenhouse emissions.
The knock-on effect is that it eliminates much of the machinery that you would normally require to operate a yacht this big.
That allows for even more space to pack luxury into the yacht.
Not only is its powertrain impressive, but so is the design.
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The ION superyacht has a sharp exterior
ThirtyC has given the ION a very impressive exterior design.
It has a sharp, sleek exterior, with a pointy vertical bow, and a very ‘upright stance.’
The vessel also has an extended waterline, which helps to improve the efficiency of the ship.
In a nice contrast, the ship has a metallic grey finish, giving it an almost industrial look.
It certainly allows the ION to stand out from many of the yachts currently available.
There is already plenty of luxury onboard as well, such as the duplex-style aft saloon.
Of course, the biggest advantage is never having to refuel again, so billionaire owners could save plenty of their fortune by not buying fuel for the luxury vessel.
At the moment, it’s just a concept, but the idea clearly has plenty of merits.
It will be fascinating to follow the progress of this nuclear-powered superyacht.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
