Objectives  To ensure marine nuclear reactor safety in deep-water ice regions, this paper proposes a design for an ice region nuclear power platform and spring damper connecting mechanism.

  Methods  The platform and connecting mechanism simulation model is established using the three-dimensional potential theory and rigid-body dynamics. The spring and damper force is calculated, then connecting mechanism stiffness and damping coefficients are analyzed and the best scheme selected. The discrete element method is used to simulate ice load. The accuracy of the method is verified by calculating ice load on the experimental conical structure. Platform motion response is calculated under environmental loads of combined wave, wind and current, or ice, wind and current.

  Results  The ice region load-bearing platform can resist ice load. The nuclear reactor supporting platform can resist a Fukushima nuclear accident maximum tsunami wave height and Level 17 super typhoon combination under the action of the connecting mechanism and mooring system. Under the 10 000-year return-time storm action in the North Sea, the ratio of horizontal displacement to water depth, heave and pitch response and vertical acceleration of the nuclear reactor supporting platform are all smaller than those of an Offshore Floating Nuclear Plant (OFNP).

  Conclusions  This design for a nuclear power platform and connecting mechanism can ensure nuclear reactor safety and stability in deep-water ice regions.