ABS, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HD HSHI) have signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) for the conceptual design of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for a 16,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) container ship.
Under the terms of the JDP, HD KSOE and HD HSHI will be responsible for developing the basic design, electrical component specifications, and arrangement plans for the propulsion system.
“This project represents an important step in exploring the potential of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for container vessels,” said Matthew Mueller, ABS Vice President, North Pacific Business Development.
“By combining HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding expertise with ABS’ deep engineering experience in maritime safety, we aim to evaluate technologies that can support safer, more efficient and lower-emission operations for the next generation of propulsion solutions.”
ABS has already been involved in several development initiatives regarding the use of nuclear energy at sea, including a study examining a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) powered Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carrier and the publication of requirements for floating nuclear power plants.
The companies aim to determine how nuclear energy can be integrated into the next generation of large-scale commercial shipping to support global decarbonisation goals.
“In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly ships, we are continuously pursuing the development of electric propulsion systems using nuclear energy – a carbon-free energy source,” said Kwon Byung Hun, Head of the Electrification Centre at HD KSOE.
“We will expand our R&D efforts to strengthen our technological competitiveness in nuclear-linked electric propulsion.”
