HD Hyundai Accelerates Development of SMR-Propelled Ships

*This content was translated by AI.

HD Hyundai is expanding the range of ship types for SMR (Small Modular Reactor)-propelled vessels and accelerating its development efforts.

HD Hyundai's shipbuilding affiliate, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, announced that it received basic certification from Lloyd's Register (LR) for the conceptual design of a large Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) equipped with an MSR (Molten Salt Reactor) at 'Posidonia 2026' in Athens, Greece.

In this project jointly developed by Hyundai Glovis, Jimarine Service, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, HD Hyundai was responsible for the ship's conceptual design and technical review. Hyundai Glovis proposed solutions based on its PCTC operational experience, Jimarine Service conducted reviews from a ship management perspective, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute carried out the MSR technical review.

MSR is a type of SMR that uses molten salt—a mixture of nuclear fuel and coolant—as fuel, and is evaluated as optimal for marine nuclear power generation due to its safety and high efficiency. HD Hyundai is developing container ships using the MSR engine method and has now expanded development to include car carriers.

SMR-propelled car carriers can maintain high output without fuel concerns, enabling high-speed long-distance voyages, and offer environmental friendliness by eliminating carbon emissions.

An HD Hyundai official, speaking to this newspaper by phone, said, "HD Hyundai is showcasing leading eco-friendly ship technologies through cooperation with major shipping lines and classification societies."

Multiple industry insiders related to shipbuilding stated, "It is an undeniable reality that SMR will become an indispensable power source in future society. A continuous technological race is underway in the SMR sector to secure market leadership," and added, "It is expected to be adopted in the shipbuilding industry in the near future."

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*This content was translated by AI.