SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

HD Korea Shipbuilding Unveils Nuclear-Powered Ship Model Using Small Modular Reactor (SMR)

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has revealed a nuclear-powered container ship model utilizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, emphasizing economic efficiency and safety, marking a turning point in the maritime industry.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) recently unveiled its nuclear-powered container ship model, powered by a Small Modular Reactor (SMR), at the New Nuclear for Maritime Summit in Houston, USA. This innovative model aims to enhance energy efficiency and safety for ships while addressing the carbon neutrality imperatives in the maritime sector. The model was approved by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) with an “Approval in Principle” (AIP), validating the design of a 15,000 TEU-class container ship utilizing this technology.

Optimization of Space and Economic Efficiency

One of the main advantages of this technology lies in the optimization of the ship’s space. Unlike conventional ships, which require exhaust systems for engines and fuel tanks, nuclear-powered vessels do not need these components. The space freed up by the absence of engine room equipment allows for additional containers, thereby improving the economic efficiency of the ship. The unveiled model also integrates a marine radiation shielding system using a double-tank method with stainless steel and light water, ensuring operational safety.

Innovation in Propulsion and Performance

A collaboration with global energy technology company Baker Hughes has enabled the integration of a supercritical carbon dioxide-based propulsion system, which improves thermal efficiency by nearly 5% compared to existing steam-based propulsion systems. This propulsion technology represents a significant step forward in maritime propulsion, enabling higher energy efficiency even at relatively low temperatures and pressures.

Progress Towards Commercialization and Future Development

HD KSOE continues its efforts to demonstrate the viability of this technology by establishing a future technology test center in Yongin, South Korea. This center will serve to validate safety designs, a crucial element for the large-scale adoption of nuclear-powered ships. In this regard, the company is also collaborating with international regulatory bodies to establish the necessary standards for the commercialization of nuclear-powered vessels. The company plans to establish a business model for marine nuclear technology by 2030, with a parallel SMR land-based reactor production project, in collaboration with TerraPower.

A New Era for the Maritime Sector

The progress made by HD KSOE signals a new era for the maritime industry, where nuclear-powered ships could play a key role in reducing carbon emissions and optimizing operational costs in an increasingly decarbonizing maritime market.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Zelestra secures 108 MW in Sicily during second FER X auction
BHP sells 49% of its Pilbara power network to GIP for $2 billion
Washington seizes oil tanker linked to Maduro and tightens sanctions on Caracas
United States adds 11.7 GW of renewable capacity in Q3 despite uncertainty
Framatome to upgrade critical systems at Columbia nuclear power plant
Natura acquires Shepherd Power and targets several gigawatts of nuclear reactors by 2032
Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
China confirms 2026 for Linglong One, the world’s first land-based SMR
China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.
Finnish SEATOM joins NATO’s 2026 defence tech acceleration programme
Start-up SEATOM has been selected to join NATO's DIANA programme with its micro nuclear reactor designed for extreme environments, reinforcing its position in dual-use marine and military energy technologies.
Estonia launches key procedure for 600 MW nuclear project
The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs has opened a tender to select a site and conduct initial environmental studies for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a decisive step for the country’s energy future.
EU approves €42bn Polish state aid for first nuclear reactor
The European Commission has approved Poland's financial support plan for its first nuclear power plant, a €42bn project backed by public funding, state guarantees, and a contract for difference mechanism.
Nuward reaches new regulatory milestone with six European nuclear regulators
Six European nuclear authorities have completed the second phase of a joint review of the Nuward modular reactor, a key step toward aligning regulatory frameworks for small nuclear reactors across Europe.
Small modular reactor market to reach 912.5 MW by 2030
Driven by off-grid industrial heat demand and decarbonisation mandates, the global small modular reactor market is set to grow 24% annually through 2030, with installed capacity expected to triple within five years.
Fusion energy industry urges Washington to invest over $1bn annually
US fusion energy leaders have called on the federal government to redirect public funding towards their projects, arguing that large-scale investment is needed to stay competitive with China.
Santee Cooper signs $2.7 billion agreement with Brookfield to revive two nuclear reactors
Santee Cooper has approved a memorandum of understanding with Brookfield Asset Management to assess the feasibility of restarting two unfinished nuclear reactors, with a potential $2.7 billion payment and 550 MW capacity stake.
Helical Fusion signs Japan’s first fusion power purchase agreement with Aoki Super
Helical Fusion has signed a landmark agreement with Aoki Super to supply electricity from fusion, marking a first in Japan’s energy sector and a commercial step forward for the helical stellarator technology.
India targets 21,880 MW of nuclear capacity by 2032 with accelerated expansion programme
India’s nuclear capacity is expected to grow by more than 13,000 MW by 2032, driven by ongoing heavy water reactor construction, new regional projects and small modular reactor development by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
NextEra Energy raises outlook driven by AI data centre demand
NextEra Energy has lifted its earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026, supported by power demand linked to long‑term contracts previously signed with Google and Meta to supply their artificial intelligence data centres with low‑carbon electricity.
The United Kingdom reforms its nuclear regulation to reduce construction costs
London launches a complete regulatory overhaul of its nuclear industry to shorten authorisation timelines, expand eligible sites, and lower construction and financing costs.
Posiva nuclear repository faces new licensing delay in Finland
Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs extends the deadline to June 2026 for the regulator to complete its review of the operating licence for the Olkiluoto spent nuclear fuel repository.
Cigéo receives ASNR approval and enters final validation phase
The conditional green light from the nuclear regulator moves Cigéo into its final regulatory stage, while shifting the risks towards financing, territorial negotiations and industrial execution.
A drone damages the Chernobyl sarcophagus, Ukraine left alone to handle repairs
The drone strike confirmed by the IAEA on the Chernobyl site vault exposes Ukraine to a nuclear risk under armed conflict, forcing the EBRD to finance partial restoration while industry standards must now account for drone threats.
Deep Fission installs a 15 MWe underground nuclear reactor on a former military site in Kansas
Deep Fission is installing a 15 MWe pressurised reactor 1.6 km underground at Great Plains Industrial Park, under the Department of Energy’s accelerated pilot programme, targeting criticality by July 4, 2026.
EDF secures 12-year nuclear power contract with battery manufacturer Verkor
EDF commits to supply 33 MW of nuclear electricity to Verkor over 12 years, enabling the battery manufacturer to stabilise energy costs ahead of launching its first Gigafactory.
Lianjiang nuclear simulator enters delivery phase after full validation
The full-scope simulator for the Lianjiang nuclear project has successfully passed factory acceptance testing, paving the way for its installation at the construction site in China's Guangdong province.
Denmark forms industrial alliance to prepare for a civil nuclear comeback
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.