HD KSOE’s nuclear powered box ship notches up another approval

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has achieved a significant milestone with its 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered containership design, which recently received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from the classification society DNV. First introduced at the New Nuclear for Maritime Houston Summit in February, this innovative vessel is engineered to operate at speeds of 24 knots using a small modular reactor (SMR) system. The design promises enhanced thermal efficiency and a compact equipment footprint compared to traditional steam-based systems.

Innovative Design and Safety Features

The nuclear-powered containership design incorporates a supercritical CO2-based power generation system, which is a key feature that sets it apart from conventional vessels. DNV has thoroughly evaluated the conceptual design in accordance with international safety regulations, including SOLAS Chapter VIII and the IMO Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships. This rigorous review process ensures that the vessel meets the highest safety standards.

Dr. Kwangpil Chang, Chief Technology Officer of HD KSOE, emphasized the importance of this design in the context of maritime decarbonization efforts. He stated, “This SMR-powered container vessel concept represents a key milestone in our efforts to explore alternative fuels for decarbonizing shipping.” The design prioritizes safety and includes a novel shielding and containment system aimed at maintaining reactor safety and vessel integrity in the event of accidents, such as collisions or sinkings.

To further enhance the safety of the vessel, HD KSOE and DNV conducted a Hazard Identification (HAZID) workshop in May 2025 at DNV’s headquarters in Oslo. This collaborative effort focused on identifying potential risks and accident scenarios associated with nuclear-powered vessels, guiding improvements in the design. Geir Dugstad, DNV’s technical director, noted that the growing interest in nuclear propulsion for maritime applications is driven by evolving environmental requirements and technological advancements. He remarked, “This AiP represents an important first step in building the technical verification process for nuclear-powered vessels.”

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Future of Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping

The approval of this nuclear-powered containership design marks a pivotal moment in the exploration of nuclear propulsion for commercial shipping. DNV has recently published a white paper discussing the potential of nuclear vessels, covering various aspects such as reactor technologies, vessel construction, fuel management, and waste handling. This document aims to provide insights into the future of nuclear energy in the maritime industry.

As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, the development of nuclear-powered vessels could play a crucial role in achieving sustainability goals. HD KSOE plans to continue its collaboration with global partners to advance marine nuclear technologies, paving the way for a new era in shipping that prioritizes both efficiency and environmental responsibility.