ABS approves nuclear containership concept

The concept was developed through a collaboration between ABS, the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) as part of an ongoing programme assessing the technical feasibility of nuclear-powered merchant vessels.

“Nuclear has the potential to fundamentally alter commercial shipping in vessel design, operating range and energy economics,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS senior vice president and chief technology officer.

“ABS is focused on building the technical and safety framework needed to support that, and this AIP with KRISO and KAERI is a concrete part of that work.”

The vessel design incorporates a marine molten salt reactor (MSR), a type of SMR technology that developers believe could significantly extend vessel operating range while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from long-distance shipping.

Under the joint development project, KRISO produced the containership concept design, KAERI developed the reactor concept, and ABS carried out the technical review leading to the approval in principle.

The project builds on wider cooperation between ABS and Korean research organisations, including a 2025 agreement with KRISO to support the development of nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power platforms.

“SMR-powered ships are a next-generation technology that will determine the future competitiveness of the shipping industry, and securing design technologies suited to the marine environment is above all essential to making them a reality,” said Keyyong Hong, president of KRISO.

Jinyoung Cho, senior vice president of KAERI, added: “KAERI will continue to refine the interface between the MSR system and the vessel, enhancing the design to address the unique operating conditions of ships.”

ABS said it will continue working with industry and research partners to develop class requirements, safety standards and technical guidance supporting the future commercial deployment of nuclear-powered vessels.