ABS partners with KRISO to develop nuclear-powered ships

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is collaborating with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) to develop commercial ships powered by small modular reactors (SMRs).

PHOTO: Concept model of a nuclear-powered container ship. ABS

An SMR is a compact nuclear reactor designed for integration within a ship.

Under the partnership, ABS will analyse the regulatory guidelines and international standards for the design of SMR-powered ships. KRISO will focus on developing core technologies, including conceptual designs for vessels and propulsion systems, along with nuclear power safety analysis.

Additionally, KRISO will design a floating SMR power generation platform.

Shipping opening to nuclear power propulsion

A recent Lloyd's Register (LR) report found that the shipping industry is increasingly prepared to adopt nuclear technology, with more new nuclear technologies being considered and developed for maritime use.

Several collaborative efforts across sectors are exploring the potential of compact nuclear reactors for powering commercial vessels.

For instance, nuclear technology firm NewCleo is partnering with shipbuilder Fincantieri and classification society RINA for the development of commercial nuclear propulsion. Ship designer Herbert Engineering has joined forces with classification society ABS. In another initiative, nine South Korean container liners and research institutions are collaborating to develop nuclear-powered ships.

The Danish startup Seaborg Technologies has been exploring maritime applications of small molten salt reactors.

Despite technological advancements, public perception and safety concerns continue to affect community readiness for nuclear industry developments.

By Tuhin Roy

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