HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HD HSHI) have signed a joint development project (JDP) for the ‘Conceptual Design of a Nuclear-Powered Electric Propulsion System’.
The agreement forms a framework to assess the technical feasibility of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system specific to a 16.000 TEU container ship.
Matthew Mueller, ABS VP North Pacific Business Development, said: “This project represents an important step in exploring the potential of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for container vessels. By combining HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding expertise with ABS’ deep engineering experience in maritime safety, we aim to evaluate technologies that can support safer, more efficient and lower-emission operations for the next generation of propulsion solutions.”
Kwon Byung-hun, Head of HD KSOE Electrification Centre, added: “In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly ships, we are continuously pursuing the development of electric propulsion systems using nuclear energy—a carbon-free energy source. We will expand our R&D efforts to strengthen our technological competitiveness in nuclear-linked electric propulsion.”
Under the agreement, HD KSOE and HD HSHI will develop the basic design, electrical component specifications and arrangement plans for a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system tailored for container ships.
As the marine and offshore industries refocus on nuclear energy, ABS has worked to support its application at sea as well as a series of advanced development projects with leading companies. ABS released a study examining a potential SMR-powered LNG carrier and has unveiled what it says is the industry’s first comprehensive requirements for floating nuclear power plants, The Pathways to a Low Carbon Future Floating Nuclear Power Plant study.
Image: (L to R): Matthew Mueller, ABS; Hak-mu Shim, HD HSHI, and Byung-hun Kwon, HD KSOE (source: ABS)
