ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for a nuclear container ship with a capacity of 15,000 TEU. This design has been developed in collaboration with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). The project aims to create a fundamental transformation in ship design, operational range, and energy economics in the maritime transport industry.
The Potential of Nuclear Energy in Maritime Transport
Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of ABS, stated that nuclear energy could fundamentally impact the design of commercial ships. He emphasized that ABS is focused on building the necessary technical and safety framework to support this technology, and this approval with KRISO and KAERI is a tangible part of these efforts.
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Development of New Marine Technologies
Kyung Hong, President of KRISO, announced that ships powered by SMR (Small Modular Reactor) are a next-generation technology that could determine the competitiveness of the transport industry. He stated that providing suitable design technologies for the marine environment is crucial, and KRISO will continue to develop the marine capabilities of nuclear ships through research and development and international collaborations.
Jin Young Cho, Senior Vice President of KAERI, also noted that KAERI will continue to improve the interaction between the MSR system and ships and enhance the design for the specific operational conditions of ships. Additionally, the institute will continue to test and demonstrate key technologies to support the commercialization of SMR-powered ships.
ABS currently plays a significant role in supporting the safe development of nuclear technologies for marine and offshore applications and advances this through class requirements, technology research, and collaboration with industries and research organizations globally.
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