Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI)’s concept design for a floating offshore nuclear power platform, the `FSMR (Floating SMR)`, capable of accommodating various types of small modular reactors (SMRs), has been granted approval in principle (AiP) by ABS.
The FSMR design is configured to carry two Smart 100 SMRs. The Smart 100 is an integrated SMR developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) which received standard design approval (SDA) from Korea`s Nuclear Safety and Security Commission in 2024.
Under the AiP certification process, SHI was responsible for the integration of the SMRs with the floating structure, the overall design of the nuclear power generation facilities, and the development of a multi-barrier reactor containment system. KAERI, meanwhile, carried out the task of adapting the land-based Smart 100 SMR for offshore applications.
The FSMR is expected to be advantageous for commercialisation as a floating nuclear power platform capable of hosting a range of SMR types. A key feature of the FSMR is its compartment design, in which the reactor and power-generation systems are grouped and arranged by function. This approach allows different SMR types to be applied by modifying only the reactor-designated compartment, enabling flexible development of FSMRs tailored to diverse reactor configurations.
In addition, SHI enhanced safety by modularising the reactor and safety systems, core components of floating nuclear power facilities, within a single containment vessel. This design allows the SMR to be installed and tested onshore prior to offshore installation, contributing to shorter construction schedules.
Young-kyu Ahn, SHI VP and Head of Offshore Business Division, said: “This certification marks an important milestone in opening up the offshore nuclear power market. Leveraging our advanced floating technologies, Samsung Heavy Industries will continue to secure safe and economically viable offshore nuclear power solutions.”
Jin-young Cho, Head of KAERI Advanced Reactor Research Institute, added: “The acquisition of this AiP using Smart 100 demonstrates the innovative strength of Korea`s nuclear technology. We will accelerate technology development to position Korea as a global leader in the offshore nuclear industry.”
Image: ABS has granted AiP to SHI for the FSMR nuclear power concept (source: Samsung Heavy Industries)
