HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the classification society DNV for a novel 15,000 TEU container vessel design utilising Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology.
This recognition was presented at the KORMARINE trade fair, with attendance from Sungkon Han, Executive Vice President of HD KSOE, Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV, and Ole Christen Reistad, Senior Principal Researcher at DNV, who deliberated on the project's results and the future of nuclear-powered shipping at DNV’s Busan offices.
Application of SMR technology
The proposed design employs SMR technology in a container vessel that can reach speeds of 24 knots
The proposed design employs SMR technology in a container vessel that can reach speeds of 24 knots. The concept integrates a supercritical CO₂-based power generation system, which offers superior thermal efficiency and a smaller equipment footprint compared to traditional steam-based setups.
The design underwent scrutiny by DNV to ensure it meets relevant regulations, including those in SOLAS Ch. VIII and the IMO Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships.
Alternative fuels for decarbonising shipping
Dr. Kwangpil Chang, CTO of HD KSOE, remarked on the significance of the project, stating: "This SMR-powered container vessel concept represents a key milestone in our efforts to explore alternative fuels for decarbonising shipping."
He adds, "The design focuses intensely on the safety of the vessel and advancing the propulsion system in the application of SMR technology."
He highlighted the development of a novel shielding and containment system aimed at ensuring reactor safety and vessel durability in the event of collisions or accidents. HD KSOE plans to continue partnering globally to further marine nuclear technologies.
Development of the ship design concept
HD KSOE collaborated with DNV to evaluate the ship’s safety parts and advanced power generation system
Throughout the concept's development, HD KSOE collaborated with DNV to evaluate the ship’s safety features and advanced power generation system.
This evaluation covered crucial aspects such as the vessel's main functions, power supply, and overall safety strategy. In May 2025, a HAZID (Hazard Identification) workshop was conducted in Oslo at DNV's headquarters to explore potential risks and guide design improvements for nuclear-powered vessels.
Technical verification process
Geir Dugstad of DNV commented on the renewed interest in nuclear propulsion due to evolving environmental demands and technology breakthroughs: "Shifting environmental requirements and advances in technology are reigniting interest in nuclear propulsion as a potential solution for maritime decarbonisation. But with little recent experience in utilising nuclear power for cargo vessels, this AiP represents an important first step in building the technical verification process for nuclear-powered vessels."
He expressed satisfaction in awarding KSOE the AiP after extensive cooperation and looks forward to ongoing development in this field.
Nuclear vessels for commercial shipping
DNV has recently published a white paper exploring the possibilities for nuclear vessels in commercial shipping, examining reactor technologies, vessel construction, fuel management, waste handling, and nuclear supply chain oversight.
An AiP serves as an independent evaluation within a prescribed framework, confirming the concept's viability and asserting the absence of significant technical barriers for its application.
Classification society - DNV has awarded HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a new 15,000 TEU container vessel design powered by Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology at the KORMARINE trade fair this week.
The presentation was attended by Sungkon Han, Executive Vice President of the Green Energy Research Lab at HD KSOE, Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV, and Ole Christen Reistad, Senior Principal Researcher and nuclear research lead at DNV, who discussed the outcome of the project and the potential for nuclear-powered shipping at DNV’s Busan offices.
Application of SMR technology
The design demonstrates the application of SMR technology in a 15,000 TEU container vessel, capable of operating at 24 knots. The vessel concept incorporates a supercritical CO₂-based power generation system, which can provide higher thermal efficiency and a reduced equipment footprint compared to conventional steam-based systems.
DNV has reviewed the conceptual design of the nuclear-powered ship in line with the relevant rules and regulations and the safety levels as outlined in SOLAS Ch. VIII and the IMO Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships.
Alternative fuels for decarbonising shipping
Dr. Kwangpil Chang, CTO of HD KSOE, commented on the project: "This SMR-powered container vessel concept represents a key milestone in our efforts to explore alternative fuels for decarbonising shipping. The design focuses intensely on the safety of the vessel and advancing the propulsion system in the application of SMR technology."
"In addition, we have developed a novel shielding and containment system, which is designed to maintain reactor safety and vessel survivability even in the event of collisions, groundings, or sinking accidents. We will continue to collaborate with global partners to advance marine nuclear technologies."
Development of the ship design concept
During the development of the ship design concept, the DNV team worked closely with HD KSOE to assess the vessel’s overall safety and the design of the advanced power generation system.
This review includes the vessel’s main functions, power supply and overall approach to safety. In May 2025, HD KSOE and DNV also conducted a HAZID (Hazard Identification) workshop at DNV’s headquarters in Oslo to identify potential risks and accident scenarios for nuclear-powered vessels and to guide improvements in the design.
Technical verification process
Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV, commented: "Shifting environmental requirements and advances in technology are reigniting interest in nuclear propulsion as a potential solution for maritime decarbonisation. But with little recent experience in utilising nuclear power for cargo vessels, this AiP represents an important first step in building the technical verification process for nuclear-powered vessels."
"We are very pleased to award KSOE this new AiP, which is the well-deserved result of an intensive and productive cooperation, which we look forward to continuing as this exciting technology continues to develop.”
Nuclear vessels for commercial shipping
DNV recently released a new white paper on the potential of nuclear vessels for commercial shipping. It examines the reactor technologies, vessel construction and operation, fuel management, waste handling, and the oversight of nuclear supply chains.
An Approval in Principle (AiP) is an independent assessment of a concept within a defined framework of requirements. It confirms the feasibility of the design and verifies that no significant technical barriers exist to its implementation.
