DNV Grants Approval in Principle to HD KSOE for Nuclear-Powered 15,000 TEU Container Vessel Design

Classification society DNV has awarded HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its conceptual design of a 15,000 TEU container vessel powered by Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. The certification marks a key step in assessing the feasibility and safety of nuclear propulsion for commercial shipping.

The AiP was presented during a meeting at DNV’s Busan offices, attended by Sungkon Han, Executive Vice President of the Green Energy Research Lab at HD KSOE; Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV; and Ole Christen Reistad, Senior Principal Researcher and nuclear research lead at DNV. The discussion focused on the design outcomes and the broader potential of nuclear-powered shipping.

Nuclear-Powered Design for Container Shipping

The concept vessel applies SMR technology to enable operations at speeds of up to 24 knots. It features a supercritical CO₂-based power generation system, offering higher thermal efficiency and a smaller equipment footprint compared to conventional steam-based systems.

DNV reviewed the design according to SOLAS Chapter VIII and the IMO Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships, assessing compliance with international safety standards and regulations for nuclear-powered maritime operations.

Focus on Safety and Reactor Containment

Dr. Kwangpil Chang, Chief Technology Officer at HD KSOE, said:

“This SMR-powered container vessel concept represents a key milestone in our efforts to explore alternative fuels for decarbonizing shipping. The design focuses intensely on the safety of the vessel and advancing the propulsion system in the application of SMR technology. In addition, we have developed a novel shielding and containment system, which is designed to maintain reactor safety and vessel survivability even in the event of collisions, groundings, or sinking accidents. We will continue to collaborate with global partners to advance marine nuclear technologies.”

Collaborative Development and Risk Assessment

The vessel concept was developed through a close collaboration between HD KSOE and DNV, focusing on the ship’s overall safety, power generation systems, and design integrity.

In May 2025, both organisations held a HAZID (Hazard Identification) workshop at DNV’s headquarters in Oslo, aimed at identifying potential risks and accident scenarios associated with nuclear-powered vessels. The exercise provided guidance on safety measures and improvements to the overall design.

Nuclear Propulsion in the Decarbonisation Context

Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV, noted:

“Shifting environmental requirements and advances in technology are reigniting interest in nuclear propulsion as a potential solution for maritime decarbonization. But with little recent experience in utilizing nuclear power for cargo vessels, this AiP represents an important first step in building the technical verification process for nuclear-powered vessels. We are very pleased to award KSOE this new AiP, which is the well-deserved result of an intensive and productive cooperation, which we look forward to continuing as this exciting technology continues to develop.”

The AiP highlights growing industry interest in nuclear propulsion as a potential long-term pathway toward zero-emission shipping, complementing ongoing developments in alternative fuels and advanced energy systems.

SEO Keywords:
HD KSOE SMR vessel, nuclear-powered container ship, DNV Approval in Principle, Small Modular Reactor shipping, maritime nuclear propulsion, shipping decarbonization, green shipping technology, SMR maritime design, DNV Busan, Korea Shipbuilding