South Korea's molten‑salt nuclear cargo ship gains US approval

molten salt reactor nuclear cargo ship ABS approval South Korea decarbonization

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) granted an Approval in Principle to a South Korean consortium for the conceptual design of a 15,000‑TEU container ship powered by two molten‑salt small modular reactors. The design, developed by the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO), Samsung Heavy Industries and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), aims to travel at up to 25 knots while carrying up to 15,000 standard 20‑foot containers.

By replacing conventional fuel tanks with nuclear reactors and an onboard energy‑storage system, the vessel could reduce fossil‑fuel emissions and free additional cargo space. The hull is planned to be compatible with the expanded Panama Canal, and safety features include redundant reactors positioned near the ship’s centre to minimise collision risks. The project is presented as a step toward decarburising commercial shipping.

The approval is an early regulatory milestone, subject to further technical conditions before any construction begins.

Sources

Nuclear molten salt could power future cargo ships [www.popsci.com]

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ABS Grants Approval in Principle for Nuclear-Powered 15,000 TEU Containership | Maritime Gateway [www.maritimegateway.com]

5 days ago

South Korea's massive nuclear container ship just earned early US approval [www.techradar.com]

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Unikt lastfartyg godkänt: Drivs med smält salt [www.dagensps.se]

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