Nuclear-powered ship conceptual designs approved

[Marlin]

Nuclear-powered ship conceptual designs approved

https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/nuclear-powered-ship-conceptual-designs-approved

[Core Content]

Lloyd's Register and the American Bureau of Shipping have granted approvals in principle for conceptual nuclear-powered cargo vessel designs. These projects involve molten salt reactors and specialized heat transfer fluids integrated into large ship propulsion systems. The approvals confirm that the proposed designs comply with current international safety and regulatory standards.

These developments represent initial steps toward decarbonizing the maritime sector, which currently relies on fossil fuels and faces strict net-zero emission targets by 2050. For the nuclear industry, these projects establish frameworks for reactor integration, shielding requirements, and onboard safety protocols. Successful implementation could expand the market for small modular reactors into global commercial shipping.

Lloyd's Register has granted approval in principle for the conceptual design of a car carrier equipped with a molten salt reactor. Meanwhile, the American Bureau of Shipping has issued approval in principle for the integration of a nuclear reactor into a cargo vessel propulsion system. ;

Approval in principle is a symbolic procedure in which a classification society reviews the design or technology of a new ship and recognises it as compliant with international regulations and safety standards, serving as the first step toward actual ship development.

Lloyd's Register said it is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on a joint development project exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a pure car and truck carrier.

Read the full article at World Nuclear News:
https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/nuclear-powered-ship-conceptual-designs-approved