SMR-Powered Container Ship Passes First International Hurdle

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, KRISO, and Samsung Heavy Industries Obtain AiP for 15,000 TEU Class Nuclear-powered Ship
Momentum Builds for K-Moonshot Marine SMR Development... Laying the Foundation for Commercialization of Carbon-free Vessels

The small modular reactor (SMR)-powered nuclear container ship currently under development in Korea has been recognized for its technical feasibility by an international classification society. This is expected to accelerate the government-driven K-Moonshot project for developing marine SMR-powered ships.

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced on the 16th that the conceptual design of a 15,000 TEU class container ship based on a molten salt reactor (MSR), jointly developed with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and Samsung Heavy Industries, has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

The container ship applying MSR, jointly developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, the Ship & Offshore Plant Research Institute, and Samsung Heavy Industries, has obtained basic approval. Concept of SMR-powered container ship. Provided by the Ship & Offshore Plant Research Institute

AiP is a procedure that verifies whether a new technology or design, at the conceptual stage, can meet relevant regulations and safety standards. This carries significant meaning, especially for nuclear-powered vessels, which are still in the early stages of commercialization, as it validates both technological implementability and safety.

This vessel utilizes two marine molten salt reactors as its main power source. It also improves safety and operational efficiency through an electrical system utilizing an energy storage system (ESS) and a centrally located reactor configuration. The traditional fuel tanks and stack have been eliminated to increase cargo capacity.

Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has developed the marine molten salt reactor, "MARINA", while KRISO and Samsung Heavy Industries have been responsible for hull design, reactor arrangement, and power management technology development. The participating institutions plan to proceed step by step with safety validation, advanced design, and demonstration of key technologies.

Jin-Young Cho, Director of the Advanced Reactor Research Division at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, stated, "This achievement is an important milestone in the development of SMR vessels based on molten salt reactors. We will cooperate with the shipbuilding and maritime industries to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation carbon-free vessels."

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