US-based classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the application of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the marine and offshore sectors.
The MOU establishes a framework for the two organisations to exchange information and engage in joint research projects related to conceptual designs for an SMR-powered ship and a floating SMR power generation platform. The aim is to identify and develop applicable regulatory guidelines and international standards.
This comes after ABS and KRISO in July 2024 teamed up to work on advancing commercial SMR-powered ships and floating SMR power generation platforms. ABS undertook to provide an analysis of applicable regulatory guidelines and international standards for the design of SMR-powered ships, while KRISO agreed to develop core technologies.
“Nuclear energy offers unmatched energy density, reliability, and strategic independence,” said ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J Wiernicki. “It is emerging as a legitimate, practical, and scalable solution for a wide range of strategic uses such as powering ports and producing hydrogen on the shore side and offshore through floating data centres, synthetic fuel platforms and desalination systems,”
Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer said modern nuclear technologies offer the potential to meet energy demands with a reliable power source in many areas of the marine and offshore markets. “ABS is taking a leading role in the support of nuclear power projects in the industry through our knowledge of international regulations and development of Class-related related safety requirements. We are proud to work with KRISO to continue these advancements in SMR applications.”
KRISO President Keyyong Hong said: “Our institute is dedicating its research capacity to the development of marine decarbonisation technologies, with a particular focus on advancing the application of SMRs to ships and offshore plants. Through this MOU, the integration of ABS and KRISO’s leading technological expertise and a well-defined division of roles will accelerate progress in core SMR technologies and secure excellence in this emerging field.”
ABS has been active in enabling the safe application of nuclear technology for marine applications. Recent publications include a study examining a potential SMR-powered LNG carrier and ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications.
Earlier this year, ABS issued approval in principle to the affiliates of South Korea’s HD Hyundai – HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) – for a concept of a floating SMR unit. The design is intended to generate electricity offshore and near shore for port facilities and onshore communities.
