ABS and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) report that they have begun working together on projects to investigate the feasibility of powering vessels with onboard nuclear reactors.
The organisations will investigate the potential operation of commercial small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ships and floating SMR power generation platforms, with ABS providing analysis of applicable regulatory guidelines and international standards for their design and KRISO developing the core technologies.
This will include conceptual designs for the vessel and propulsion systems, as well as the development of a framework for integrated ship nuclear power safety analysis.
In addition, KRISO will design a floating SMR power generation platform, a nuclear power plant on the sea, along with a commercialisation model that could supply power to island areas in the future.
“We are proud to apply our experience to these research projects with KRISO. With the increased focus on zero-carbon emissions, modern nuclear technologies offer the potential for decarbonisation in many areas of the sector,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.
