ABS approves HD KSOE’s nuclear-electric propelled vessel design

ABS has given its preliminary permission to a groundbreaking nuclear-powered containership developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).

A 15k TEU vessel’s innovative design includes a propulsion system that generates power using a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) system and heat using a molten salt reactor (MSR). ABS finished design assessments in accordance with the specifications of the class. In October of last year, ABS released the first detailed industry standards for floating nuclear power. HD KSOE will keep working with ABS to advance the vessel’s development after the AIP.

The US Department of Energy is collaborating with ABS to investigate the obstacles to the use of advanced nuclear propulsion on commercial ships, and ABS is at the forefront of the industry’s investigation into advanced nuclear reactor technology for offshore and marine applications.