Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) said on the 16th that the concept design of a 15,000-TEU container ship applying a molten salt reactor (MSR), developed jointly with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and Samsung Heavy Industries, has received approval in principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
Approval in principle (AiP) is a process in which a classification society reviews and confirms the technical feasibility and safety of new technologies or designs at the concept stage based on relevant regulations and safety standards. In fields that are at an early international development stage, such as nuclear-powered ships, the process of verifying the technical validity of a concept design carries significant weight.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) are considered next-generation reactors suitable for ship applications, based on designs that are smaller than conventional large reactors. A molten salt reactor (MSR) is a type of small modular reactor (SMR) that uses molten salt, which mixes nuclear fuel and coolant, as a liquid nuclear fuel, and it is drawing attention as a reactor technology suitable for ships that require long-distance operation due to its high safety.
This 15,000-TEU container ship uses two molten salt reactors (MSRs) as its power source. By optimizing the power system and the hull form and layout design, it improves the safety and operational efficiency of nuclear-powered ships.
KAERI handled the development of MARINA, a marine molten salt reactor that serves as the container ship's power source. The Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and Samsung Heavy Industries handled the high-speed hull form design of the nuclear ship, the layout design of the reactor and major systems, and the development of power operation and control technologies.
Cho Jin-young, head of the Advanced Reactor Research Institute, said, "This achievement will serve as a foundation for leading the next-generation zero-carbon ship market, based on world-class nuclear technology and the competitiveness of the shipbuilding industry."
Hong Ki-yong, head of the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO), said, "The nuclear-powered ship promoted by the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) is a next-generation technology that will determine the competitiveness of the future shipping industry, and securing design technology suitable for the marine environment is more important than anything else."