Korean designed nuclear-powered LNG carrier certified

The molten salt reactor (MSR) for the LNG carrier is being conceptually designed jointly by Samsung Heavy Industries and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). The MSR is designed to have a capacity of 100 MWt and to eliminate the need for fuel replacement during the life of the vessel even if only one unit is installed. 

"The MSR method has the characteristics of increased stability and excellent energy efficiency by using molten salt (liquid nuclear fuel) that integrates nuclear fuel and coolant," said Samsung Heavy Industries, which has been researching nuclear technology for many years, including various concepts for floating nuclear power plants.

As part of the Novel Concept Class Approval process, the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) grants an Approval in Principle (AIP) at an early conceptual design phase to assist the client in demonstrating project feasibility to its project partners and regulatory bodies. AIP 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.

_{The MSR-powered LNG carrier concept (Image: KAERI)}

KAERI said obtaining AIP for the conceptual design "is the first step toward moving forward with actual ship development".  

In October last year, ABS released a study of a small modular reactor on a standard LNG carrier. ABS said the study was designed to help industry "better understand the feasibility and safety implications of nuclear propulsion and to support future development projects". The study considered the impact of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor on the design, operation and emissions of a 145,000-cubic-metre LNG carrier design .

The report noted that LNG carrier vessels are increasing in demand as the international LNG trade remains important for global energy security. LNG is stored on board in large cryogenic tanks that maintain natural gas (primarily methane) in a liquid state around -165°C. The typical energy demand for LNG carriers is between 30 to 75 MW. 

"Nuclear power would be an ideal means of drastically abating shipping emissions, but significant hurdles remain in public perception and international regulations before this can be achieved," the report said.

In August 2022, ABS announced it had been awarded a contract by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to research barriers to the adoption of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels. Working with support from DOE's National Reactor Innovation Center, based at Idaho National Laboratory, ABS is developing models of different advanced reactor technologies for maritime applications and developing an industry advisory on the commercial use of modern nuclear power.

The shipping industry consumes some 350 million tonnes of fossil fuel annually and accounts for about 3% of total worldwide carbon emissions. In July 2023, the shipping industry, via the International Maritime Organization, approved new targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by, or around, 2050.