Korean, US partnership to study maritime SMRs

Monday, 22 July 2024

ABS said it 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. In addition, KRISO will design a floating SMR power generation platform, along with a commercialisation model that can supply stable 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 ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer Patrick Ryan. "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."

KRISO President Keyyong Hong added: "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."

In October last year, a design for a floating offshore nuclear power barge from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and Kepco Engineering & Construction (Kepco E&C) received approval in principle from ABS. Project collaborators included ABS, HD KSOE, KEPCO E&C and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry. The floating SMR barge is intended to serve as offshore power generation for remote communities and island electrification.

South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries announced in January last year that it had completed the conceptual design for the CMSR Power Barge - a floating nuclear power plant based on compact molten salt reactors - and obtained an approval in principle for the design from the ABS.

In February 2023, KRISO was one of nine South Korean organisations that signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on jointly developing a molten salt reactor suitable for use in marine vessels. They also agreed to cooperate in the development and demonstration of SMRs for marine use; the development of SMR-propelled vessel/marine system interface technology and response to licences and permits; to nurture experts in nuclear-powered ship operation and establishment of industrial infrastructure.