Thursday, February 13th, 2025
Korea’s HD Korean Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has announced a nuclear-powered container ship model that utilizes small modular reactor technology.
_39116.jpg "The design of a South Korean SMR-equipped container ship has been revealed 6")
The design was revealed at the New Nuclear Maritime Houston Summit held at the Asian Association Texas Center in Houston, USA on February 12th.
Previously, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has received in principle approval (AIP) from the US Shipping Agency (ABS) for a 15,000 TEU class container ship design model that applies small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
HD KSOE, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, says the newly announced design model has improved economic efficiency and safety by incorporating the concepts of actual equipment and safety design. Unlike traditional vessels, nuclear vessels do not require an engine exhaust system or fuel tank. The company optimizes the space previously occupied by large engine compartments to accommodate additional containers and increase economic efficiency. Additionally, to ensure safety, we apply a marine radiation shield system using a double tank method with stainless steel and light water.
Additionally, HD KSOE, in collaboration with global energy technology company Baker Hughes, applied a supercritical carbon dioxide-based propulsion system to improve thermal efficiency by approximately 5% compared to existing steam-based propulsion systems.
HD KSOE said it plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at the future technology test centre in Yonggin, Yangongi Province, to verify the safety design.
“HD KSOE is strengthening cooperation with not only major classification associations but also international regulatory bodies to establish the international regulations necessary for the commercialization of nuclear ships.” Summit. “We aim to develop a marine nuclear business model by 2030, starting with the onshore SMR reactor manufacturing project.”
In October 2023, the design of the floating offshore nuclear barges of HD KSOE and KEPCO Engineering & Construction (KEPCO E&C) was approved in principle by ABS. Collaborators for the project included ABS, HD KSOE, KEPCO E&C, Liberian International Ships and Corporate Registry. Floating SMR barges are intended to function as offshore power generation for remote and island electrification.
In January 2024, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Lloyd’s Register, Zodiac Maritime, HD KSOE, and KEPCO E&C for the development of nuclear power vessel designs, including bulk carriers and container vessels. In the joint development project, HD KSOE and KEPCO E&C will provide future vessel and nuclear reactor designs, while Lloyd’s registration will assess the regulations requirements of a secure operational and regulatory compliance model.
The following month, HD KSOE announced plans to work with UK Core Power and US Southern companies and Terrapower to develop SMRs for use in shipments. In November 2022, HD Hyundai invested US$30 million in Terrapower. The jointly developed reactor will focus on Terrapower’s Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) design. MCFR Iterations – known as M -MSR – intended for marine use is developed by Terrapower.
The shipping industry consumes approximately 350 million tons of fossil fuels per year, accounting for around 3% of global carbon emissions. Last July, through international maritime organizations, the shipping industry approved a new target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by around 2050.
