France-based nuclear developer Newcleo, Italian design company Pininfarina and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri have unveiled a full-scale model of a next-generation nuclear reactor for maritime use.

The TL-40 reactor, developed by Newcleo, is a Generation IV, lead-cooled small modular reactor (SMR) intended to power large vessels.

The company, which unveiled the model at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, said the lead-cooling system incorporates passive safety mechanisms that eliminate the risk of nuclear incidents through the laws of physics that govern the reactor's operation.