#South Korea #Seoul #SMR Technology #HD Korea #Nuclear-Powered Ship

HD Korea Shipbuilding Pioneers Zero-Carbon Shipping

In a remarkable advancement for maritime engineering, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has unveiled its latest innovation: a nuclear-powered container ship utilizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. This unveiling, showcased at the New Nuclear for Maritime Summit in Houston, marks a critical step towards making maritime transport more sustainable and efficient.

The Unveiling at the Summit

Held at the Asia Society Texas Center, the summit served as a platform for HD KSOE to present the nuclear-powered vessel design model. This initiative received the Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a 15,000 TEU-class container ship, a significant benchmark in nuclear maritime technology. The design demonstrates not only a commitment to safety but also enhances economic efficiency by optimizing space within the vessel.

Enhanced Efficiency and Safety Features

The new container ship design boasts several key features that set it apart from conventional vessels. By eliminating the need for engine exhaust systems and fuel tanks, HD KSOE has repurposed this structural space to accommodate more containers, effectively boosting cargo capacity. Moreover, the incorporation of a marine radiation shielding system, utilizing a double-tank method with stainless steel and light water, underscores HD KSOE's commitment to safety.

In collaboration with Baker Hughes, the introduction of a supercritical carbon dioxide-based propulsion system enhances thermal efficiency by approximately 5% compared to traditional steam-based systems, further reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

Future Prospects for Nuclear Marine Technology

As part of its broader vision, HD KSOE plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. This facility will serve as a proving ground for the safety and effectiveness of maritime nuclear technology. “Nuclear-powered vessels can transform the current shipbuilding market as carbon neutrality rises in priority,” noted Patrick Ryan, CTO of ABS. Through partnerships and cooperation with international bodies, HD KSOE aims to establish the necessary regulations for the future of nuclear-powered shipping.

Park Sangmin, head of HD KSOE's Green Energy Research Lab, emphasized the importance of concerted efforts with major classification societies and regulators to expedite the commercialization of these innovative vessels. Leveraging previous experience with land-based SMR reactor manufacturing, the company is targeting the establishment of a functional marine nuclear business model by 2030.

Collaboration and Development

Since early 2024, HD KSOE has been actively pursuing related technology development through a partnership with TerraPower, focusing on next-generation SMRs. Recently, the company secured a contract to manufacture key components for TerraPower's Natrium reactor in Wyoming, further solidifying its role in advancing nuclear technology.

In conclusion, HD Korea Shipbuilding's latest initiative not only moves the needle towards reducing carbon emissions in shipping but also positions the company as a leader in the intersection of maritime technology and nuclear energy. The developments gathered at the summit spotlight a future where nuclear-powered vessels could significantly cut down the shipping industry's carbon footprint, paving the way for more sustainable and innovative marine solutions.