The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Korean Research Institute of Ship & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) are collaborating to commercialise small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ships and floating SMR NPPs. ABS will provide analysis of applicable regulatory guidelines and international standards for the design of SMR-powered ships.
KRISO will develop core technologies for SMR-powered ships, including conceptual designs for the vessel and propulsion systems as well as the development of a framework for integrated ship and nuclear power safety analysis. KRISO will also design a floating SMR power generation platform and a commercial model that can supply power to island areas.
“ABS is taking a leading role in the support of nuclear power projects in the maritime industry through our knowledge of international regulations and development of Class-related related safety requirements,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “We are proud to apply our experience to these research projects with KRISO. With the increased focus on zero-carbon emissions, modern nuclear technologies offer the potential for decarbonisation in many areas of the sector,”
In 2021 ABS was awarded a contract by DOE to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels. The project addressed challenges to adopting new reactor technology in commercial maritime applications.
KRISO President Keyyong Hong noted: “Through this joint research with ABS, we will lead the development of future eco-friendly marine technology and establish global standards for the commercialisation of SMRs in the marine sector and will lead the global market for nuclear-powered ships in the future.”
A growing number of Korean companies are showing interest in nuclear shipping. In February 2023, South Korean industry, led by the leaders in maritime transport Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Janggeum Merchant Marine (Sinokor), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop nuclear-powered ships. These included the city of Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk province, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), KRISO, the Korean Registry of Shipping, Wooyang Merchant Marine and H Line Shipping as well as Sinokor and HMM.
In April 2023, Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries formed a consortium to commercialise nuclear power ships in cooperation with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp and Danish SMR developer Seaborg Technologies. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), a subsidiary of South Korea’s HD Hyundai and Kepco Engineering & Construction Company (Kepco E&C), in October 2023, received approval in principle from ABS for a new design of a floating offshore nuclear power barge. Project collaborators included ABS, HD KSOE, KEPCO E&C and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry
In January 2024, a MOU was signed between Lloyd’s Register, Zodiac Maritime, KSOE and Kepco Engineering & Construction for development of nuclear-propelled ship designs, including bulk carriers and container ships. KSOE and Kepco E&C are to provide designs for future vessels and reactors and Lloyd’s Register will assess rule requirements for safe operation and regulatory compliance models. The project will enable Zodiac to evaluate ship specifications and voyage considerations around nuclear technology.
