Bird’s-eye View of the SMR-Powered Container Ship (Image rovided by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering)
SEOUL, Feb. 13 (Korea Bizwire) — HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) unveiled a nuclear-powered container ship model featuring small modular reactor (SMR) technology at the Houston Marine Nuclear Summit on February 12, the company announced on February 13.
Unlike conventional vessels, nuclear-powered ships do not require exhaust systems or fuel tanks, a design advantage that allows for increased cargo capacity.
HD KSOE has optimized the economic feasibility of its model by utilizing the freed-up space for additional containers while implementing a dual-tank marine radiation shielding system to ensure safety.
The company also integrated a supercritical carbon dioxide-based propulsion system, developed in collaboration with global energy technology firm Baker Hughes. This system improves thermal efficiency by 5% compared to traditional methods, further enhancing operational performance.
Looking ahead, HD KSOE plans to establish a maritime nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Center in Yongin, South Korea, to conduct safety design verification.
“We are initiating land-based SMR reactor manufacturing and aim to complete development of a maritime nuclear business model by 2030,” said Park Sang-min, executive director of HD KSOE’s Green Energy Research Lab.
Patrick Ryan, chief technology officer of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), emphasized the transformative potential of nuclear propulsion in the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts.
“Nuclear-powered vessels could be a game-changer in today’s shipbuilding market, where carbon neutrality is a critical priority. ABS and HD KSOE are committed to accelerating the commercialization of maritime nuclear technology on a global scale,” Ryan stated.
The unveiling of HD KSOE’s nuclear-powered container ship model underscores the growing interest in nuclear energy as a viable solution for sustainable maritime transport, positioning the company at the forefront of next-generation shipbuilding innovation.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
