Lloyd’s Register partners with South Korean firms to develop nuclear-powered car carrier concept
Classification society Lloyd's Register (LR) has joined forces with a group of South Korean organisations to explore the feasibility of installing an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).
IMAGE: KAERI and SHI’s MSR-powered LNG carrier concept. KAERI
An SMR is a compact, factory-manufactured nuclear reactor designed to provide scalable and flexible power generation.
The project brings together HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.
The study examined the integration of a molten salt reactor (MSR) into a large vehicle carrier from both technical and operational perspectives. An MSR is a type of nuclear reactor that uses molten salt as its coolant. The assessment covered the reactor’s onboard arrangement, segregation from other ship systems, shielding requirements, and its effect on cargo deck configuration and vehicle-carrying capacity. The partners also evaluated stability and trim considerations arising from the reactor’s weight and location within the vessel.
In addition, the project analysed propulsion system design, power distribution and operational flexibility, comparing a nuclear-powered PCTC with conventionally fuelled vessels, whose trading patterns and port access can face fuel-related limitations.
As safety was a central part of the study, LR led hazard identification (HAZID) and preliminary risk assessment activities, focusing on reactor containment, onboard safety measures and potential operational constraints associated with deploying nuclear technology at sea.
“SMR-powered ships can serve as a highly effective alternative, representing a pioneering, next-generation maritime technology capable of complying with GHG emission regulations while allowing lifetime operation without refuelling, and HD HHI will remain at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology development,” said HD HHI’s senior executive vice president Hong-Ryeul Ryu.
Interest in nuclear energy for maritime applications has been gaining momentum in recent years, with industry players exploring its potential for ship propulsion as well as offshore power generation.
Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency
launched a new initiative aimed at supporting the deployment of SMRs on commercial ships and floating nuclear power plants.
Meanwhile, classification society American Bureau of Shipping has introduced a nuclear-ready notation for commercial vessels and offshore nuclear power facilities.
By Tuhin Roy
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