Momentum builds behind nuclear shipping

Demonstrating technical feasibility

While regulatory frameworks are beginning to take shape, technical development is also accelerating. During Posidonia, LR announced a joint development project with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) exploring the application of an advanced small modular reactor aboard a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).

The project examines how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be integrated into a large vehicle carrier, assessing everything from reactor placement and shielding requirements to vessel stability, propulsion arrangements and cargo capacity.

Safety forms a central part of the work, with LR leading on hazard identification and preliminary risk assessment activities to examine containment, onboard safety systems and operational considerations associated with nuclear propulsion.

The project reached an important milestone with the award of an Approval in Principle (AiP), confirming that the concept is feasible at a preliminary design stage and setting a foundation for further development.

Commenting on the project, Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia at LR, said, "While nuclear propulsion is still at an early stage of development, this project shows the importance of building technical understanding now to support future progress.

"Establishing feasibility at concept stage is a valuable step forward, particularly in areas such as cargo optimisation, vessel stability and integrated safety design,” he said.