ABS and KRISO kick off nuclear-powered vessel co-operation

The class society said it will analyse regulatory guidelines and international standards for the design of SMR-powered ships, while KRISO will develop core technologies for the vessels. Development will include conceptual designs for the vessel and propulsion systems, as well as the development of a framework for integrated ship, nuclear power safety analysis. 

Nuclear power has become a more popular future fuel consideration in shipping as reactors will have zero operational greenhouse gas emissions, need refuelling infrequently, and may enable higher vessel operating speeds. Regulatory mechanisms for nuclear shipping are in need of complete overhaul by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and various forms of SMR technologies remain in development.

SMRs are reactors with power generation up to 300MWe and are expected to dramatically reduce the cost of nuclear power through factory assembly line production and modularity, replacing the individual custom designs of current reactors.

KRISO will also design a floating SMR power generation platform, a nuclear power plant on the sea, along with a commercialisation model that can supply stable power to island areas in the future. 

Many within nuclear shipping expect floating power plants to be a first step towards commercialised nuclear-powered merchant ships, including as a focus for the development of necessary nuclear and shipping regulation. The platforms will be designed to provide power to remote areas, replacing fossil fuel-powered electricity generation.

Related:LR report predicts new era of zero-emission nuclear-powered ships

KRISO announced in April this year that it was launching a project to develop core technologies for SMR-powered vessels power generation platforms by 2028. KRISO is developing a high-speed Neo-panamax class container ship equipped with SMR.

“ABS is taking a leading role in the support of nuclear power projects in the maritime industry through our knowledge of international regulations and development of Class-related safety requirements. We are proud to apply our experience to these research projects with KRISO.

“With the increased focus on zero-carbon emissions, modern nuclear technologies offer the potential for decarbonisation in many areas of the sector,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

“Through this joint research with ABS, we will lead the development of future eco-friendly marine technology and establish global standards for the commercialisation of SMRs in the marine sector and will lead the global market for nuclear-powered ships in the future,” said Keyyong Hong, President of KRISO.

Related:Who will lead the world in nuclear propulsion for shipping regulation?

KRISO was founded in 2014 as an evolution of an institution which dated back to 1973, around a quarter of its budget is funded by the Korean government, with the remainder from independent revenue.