Saltfoss seeks US licensing for floating molten salt nuclear reactors

Danish nuclear developer Saltfoss has notified the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission of its intent to begin pre-application engagement for its seaMSR-100 floating power barge. The company aims to be the first advanced reactor developer to be licensed under the NRC’s new Part 53 regulatory framework, which was designed to be risk-informed and technology-inclusive for commercial nuclear plants.

The project utilizes a dual-hub manufacturing model to leverage allied supply chains. Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea will manufacture the standardized steel barges, while Saltfoss plans to expand its US operations to include reactor assembly, fuel loading, and final power plant integration at American facilities.

The seaMSR-100 is a loop-style molten salt reactor that operates at atmospheric pressure using low-enriched uranium. A key safety feature of the design is that the fuel salt solidifies below 500 degrees Celsius, allowing the reactor to shut down and drain by gravity without operator action or external power. The modules are standardized at 100 MWe, with barges capable of providing up to 600 MWe.