HD Hyundai is expanding the scope of its small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ship development to include car carriers.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a shipbuilding affiliate of HD Hyundai, said on the 5th that it received basic approval for a concept design of a large pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) applying a molten salt reactor (MSR) from Lloyd's Register (LR) at Posidonia 2026, held in Athens, Greece, from the 1st to the 5th (local time).
The project was carried out jointly with Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine Service, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). HD Hyundai handled the ship's concept design and technical review, while Hyundai Glovis proposed an operating plan based on PCTC operating experience. G-Marine Service conducted a review from the ship management perspective, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) was in charge of the MSR technical review.
An MSR is a type of SMR that uses molten salt, in which nuclear fuel and coolant are mixed, as fuel. HD Hyundai said MSRs have high safety and efficiency, making them suitable for marine nuclear power. HD Hyundai is currently developing a container ship using an MSR engine system, and with this approval it has expanded its development target to car carriers.
An SMR-powered car carrier can maintain high output without the burden of fuel supply, which is advantageous for long-distance, high-speed operation. With no carbon emissions, it can also serve as an eco-friendly vessel.
During the exhibition, HD Hyundai also received global classification approvals for various eco-friendly ship technologies, including an LPG dual-fuel container ship and an LPG carrier applying a type-B tank. The LPG dual-fuel container ship is a vessel HD Hyundai is developing as an industry first. The LPG carrier with a type-B tank features enhanced safety.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries also signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Skaramangas Shipyard, the largest shipyard in Greece. The two companies are pursuing joint participation in projects including Greek Navy and Korea Coast Guard vessels and manned-unmanned teamed systems that include unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).
Avikus, HD Hyundai's autonomous ship subsidiary, signed an MOU with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction for the adoption of the standard specifications of the autonomous navigation solution "HiNAS Control." The agreement centers on applying Avikus's autonomous navigation system as a standard specification to all merchant ships built by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.
An HD Hyundai official said, "HD Hyundai is showcasing leading eco-friendly ship technologies in collaboration with major shipping companies and classification societies," adding, "We will continue to lead the era of carbon-neutral ships through technology development and investment."