ABS has issued approval in principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for a floating small modular reactor (SMR) power module concept.
The design aims to provide offshore and near-shore electricity generation to support port infrastructure and onshore communities. The AIP follows a review process based on ABS requirements for nuclear power systems in marine and offshore applications.
ABS notes that floating nuclear facilities could support power grids, microgrids, ports and industrial operations, enabled by advances in reactor design and fuel types that differ from traditional nuclear technology.
This is the second floating nuclear barge concept from HD KSOE to receive AIP from ABS, and forms part of an ongoing collaboration that also includes a nuclear-powered 15,000 TEU containership project.
