The American Bureau of Shipping has granted Approval in Principle for a concept design of a nuclear-powered containership developed by a South Korean consortium. The project involves a 15,000 TEU vessel equipped with molten salt small modular reactors (SMRs).
The design was developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries. ABS said the AiP confirms that the concept meets technical feasibility and safety requirements at the design stage. It does not mean the vessel is approved for construction or commercial operation.
The proposed ship would use two marine molten salt SMRs, providing backup power and allowing the vessel to adjust energy output depending on operating conditions. The design also includes an energy storage system to improve power management during voyages.
The reactor technology uses nuclear fuel dissolved in molten salt. Developers say the system has built-in safety features because the salt solidifies if operating conditions are lost, helping to contain radioactive material.
The reactors would be installed in the centre of the hull to improve protection from ship motions and possible collisions. The vessel is designed to reach 25 knots and meet Neopanamax dimensions, allowing it to transit the expanded Panama Canal. Removing conventional fuel tanks and a funnel would create additional internal space.
The consortium said it will continue testing the technology, improving the integration of the reactor system with ship systems and developing safety assessments before moving toward a demonstration vessel.
