The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has approved in principle the concept of a floating small modular reactor (SMR)-powered vessel proposed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE). ABS is working with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels
The design is intended to generate electricity offshore and near shore, supporting port facilities and onshore communities. ABS completed design reviews based on the ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications.
“Floating nuclear power facilities show promise in supporting power grids, microgrids, industrial and port operations, data centres, and other uses,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. “Additionally, today’s advanced nuclear technology has a different risk profile from traditional reactor technology with state-of-the-art designs and with lower enrichment fuels, making commercial offshore and maritime applications more viable.”
The Approval in Principle (AIP) is the second for a floating nuclear power barge design from HD KSOE and is the latest step in a long running collaboration with ABS on nuclear technologies. In February, HD KSOE received and AIP from ABS for a 15,000 TEU nuclear propelled containership. A Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) is the standard measure indicating how many 20-foot-long containers can fit on a particular container ship.
ABS grants AIPs as part of the Novel Concept Class Approval process at an early conceptual design phase to assist in demonstrating project feasibility to partners and regulatory bodies. The AIP confirms that the proposed new technology complies with ABS Rules and Guides as well as required appropriate industry codes and standards.
Following the AIP, HD KSOE will continue to work with ABS to further develop the vessel. ABS is working with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels.
As well as the Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications issued in October 2024, ABS has also produced Pathways to a Low Carbon Future Floating Nuclear Power Plant and Pathways to a Low Carbon Future LNG Carrier Nuclear Ship Concept Design.
“The floating nuclear power plant is expected to play a key role in building a future powered by clean energy,” said an official from HD KSOE. “We will remain fully committed to developing the necessary technologies and ensuring its successful realisation.”
