“Korean researchers working with Samsung Heavy Industries have cleared a key hurdle in their efforts to develop designs for a containership powered by molten salt nuclear reactors. The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) granted basic design approval, an AiP, for the project, reports the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.”
“The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute is working jointly with the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries on the design of a 15,000 TEU vessel with nuclear power.”
“The key feature of their concept is two Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) employing the molten salt technology. They point to a redundancy with the two reactors as well as a power system design to efficiently manage the reactors’ output against the ship’s power demands. They also incorporated a surplus power storage capability that could provide power when needed.”
“They also worked to optimize the hull and layout of the vessel to increase operational efficiency. The reactors are given a centralized placement in the hull to minimize the impact of the waves and guard against the potential risks from a collision. The hull is a high-speed 25 knot design, and the ship would have the capability to transit the Panama Canal through the Neopanamax locks.”