SIMIC

SOUTH Korea's HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has released the model for a nuclear-powered containership incorporating Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.

The company revealed its 15,000 TEU-class vessel design at the New Nuclear for Maritime Summit in Houston, following Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), reports London's Port Technology International.



According to HD KSOE, the design aims to enhance economic efficiency and safety. Unlike conventional ships, nuclear-powered vessels do not require engine exhaust systems or fuel tanks.



The company has reallocated space traditionally occupied by the engine room to accommodate additional containers. A marine radiation shielding system, using a double-tank structure with stainless steel and light water, has been applied to meet safety requirements.



To advance the development of nuclear-powered shipping, HD KSOE plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Centre in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.



"Nuclear-powered vessels can be a game-changer in the current shipbuilding market, where carbon neutrality is emerging," said Patrick Ryan, chief technology officer of ABS.



"ABS and HD KSOE will contribute to accelerating the commercialisation of marine nuclear technology in the global shipbuilding market."



Park Sangmin, head of HD KSOE's Green Energy Research Lab, said: "HD KSOE is strengthening cooperation not only with major classification societies but also with international regulatory bodies to establish international regulations necessary for the commercialisation of nuclear-powered vessels.



"Starting with the land-based SMR reactor manufacturing project, we aim to develop a marine nuclear business model by 2030."