HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), a major South Korean shipbuilder, introduced a nuclear-powered containership model utilizing small modular reactor (SMR) technology at the New Nuclear for Maritime Houston Summit in Texas on Feb. 12, the company announced on the 13th. The unveiling marks the first time HD KSOE has publicly presented its SMR-based ship design. SMR-powered vessels are emerging as a next-generation solution that integrates South Korea’s advanced shipbuilding expertise with nuclear technology.
Unlike conventional ships that rely on internal combustion engines, nuclear-powered vessels produce zero carbon emissions while delivering high output with minimal fuel. The technology also eliminates the need for bulky exhaust systems and fuel tanks, which take up significant space on traditional ships.
HD KSOE’s newly revealed design enhances economic viability by repurposing space typically reserved for engine rooms to accommodate additional cargo. The model also incorporates a marine radiation shielding system utilizing a double-tank structure to ensure safety. The company has secured approval in principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design, a key certification that validates the technical feasibility of a vessel’s basic structure and clears the way for full-scale development.
To further validate the safety of its nuclear-powered ship design, HD KSOE plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do. The company is also collaborating with U.S. SMR specialist TerraPower on joint research and, in December, secured a contract to manufacture key components for TerraPower’s Natrium reactor, which is set to be built in Wyoming.
“HD KSOE is strengthening cooperation with major classification societies and international regulatory bodies to establish global standards for the commercialization of nuclear-powered vessels,” a company official said. “Starting with land-based SMR reactor production, we aim to develop a marine nuclear business model by 2030.”
