The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Korea Ship & Offshore Plant Research Institute (KRISO) have entered into a joint venture to accelerate the commercialization of ships powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) and floating SMR power generation platforms.
Roles of ABS and KRISO
ABS will leverage its expertise in international regulations and standards to provide analysis and guidance for the design of SMR-powered vessels.
KRISO will focus on developing the core technologies necessary for these ships, including conceptual designs for vessels and propulsion systems, as well as establishing a framework for comprehensive safety analysis.
Additionally, KRISO will undertake the design of a floating SMR power generation platform and a commercialization model aimed at providing reliable power to island communities.
Statements from ABS and KRISO Leadership
Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of ABS, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting nuclear power projects in the maritime sector.
“We are proud to contribute our expertise to these research initiatives with KRISO,” he said. “With the growing emphasis on zero-carbon emissions, advanced nuclear technologies offer a significant opportunity for decarbonization across various segments of the industry.”
Keyyong Hong, President of KRISO, highlighted the potential of this collaboration, stating, “Through this joint research with ABS, we will spearhead the development of future eco-friendly marine technology and establish global benchmarks for the commercialization of SMRs in the maritime sector. We are confident that this will position us as leaders in the global market for nuclear-powered ships in the future.”
Previous Approvals and Collaborations
In October of the previous year, a design for a floating offshore nuclear power barge, a joint effort by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and Kepco Engineering & Construction (Kepco E&C), received approval in principle from ABS.
This project involved collaboration with ABS, HD KSOE, KEPCO E&C, and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, with the floating SMR barge intended to provide power generation for remote areas and island electrification.
Furthermore, in January of the prior year, South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries announced the completion of a conceptual design for a floating nuclear power plant based on compact molten salt reactors (CMSR Power Barge) and obtained approval in principle for the design from ABS.
Memorandum of Understanding for SMR Development
In February 2023, KRISO was among nine South Korean organizations that signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of a molten salt reactor specifically suited for marine vessels.
The agreement encompassed cooperation in the development and demonstration of SMRs for maritime applications, addressing challenges related to the integration of nuclear propulsion systems, and the establishment of an industrial infrastructure and expertise for nuclear-powered ship operation.