ABS approves second Korean floating SMR plant design
Maritime classification society the American Bureau of Shipping has issued approval in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for a concept of a floating small modular reactor-powered power module.
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The design developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is intended to generate electricity offshore and near shore, supporting port facilities and onshore communities.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) completed design reviews based on the ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications. Launched in October 2024, ABS says these are the industry's first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants. At the time of the launch, ABS noted it is the responsibility of nuclear regulators to license the reactor and applicable nuclear safety structures, systems and components.
As part of the Novel Concept Class Approval process, ABS grants an Approval in Principle at an early conceptual design phase to assist the client in demonstrating project feasibility to its project partners and regulatory bodies. Approval in Principle confirms that the proposed novel concept that includes the new technology complies with the intent of the most applicable ABS Rules and Guides as well as required appropriate industry codes and standards, subject to a list of conditions.
"Floating nuclear power facilities show promise in supporting power grids, microgrids, industrial and port operations, data centres, and other uses," said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "Additionally, today's advanced nuclear technology has a different risk profile from traditional reactor technology with state-of-the-art designs and with lower enrichment fuels, making commercial offshore and maritime applications more viable."
An HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering spokesperson said: "The floating nuclear power plant is expected to play a key role in building a future powered by clean energy. We will remain fully committed to developing the necessary technologies and ensuring its successful realisation."
This is the second Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear power barge design granted to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering by the ABS. In October 2023, it issued Approval in Principle for a floating offshore nuclear power barge intended to serve as offshore power generation for remote communities and island electrification.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering previously obtained approval in principle from the ABS for a 15,000 TEU-class container ship design model applying small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
In February this year, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering unveiled another nuclear-powered container ship model utilising SMR technology. It said the new design model features enhanced economic efficiency and safety by incorporating actual equipment and safety design concepts.
