Wedoany.com Report on Mar 10th, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has recently signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HSHI), focusing on the "Conceptual Design of a Nuclear-Powered Electric Propulsion System." This collaboration aims to assess the technical feasibility of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for 16K TEU container ships, addressing the shipping industry's demand for low-carbon solutions.

Matthew Mueller, Vice President of Business Development, North Pacific at ABS, stated: "This project is a key step in exploring the potential of nuclear-powered electric propulsion systems for container ships. By combining HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Group's shipbuilding expertise with ABS's engineering experience in maritime safety, we are committed to evaluating technologies that can promote safer, more efficient, and lower-emission operations." Kwon Byung-hun, Head of the Electrification Center at HD KSOE, added: "To meet the growing demand for eco-friendly ships, we are continuously developing electric propulsion systems based on nuclear energy—a carbon-free energy source. We will intensify our R&D efforts to strengthen our technological capabilities in nuclear-related electric propulsion."

Under the agreement, HD KSOE and HD HSHI will tailor a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for container ships, covering basic design, electrical component specifications, and layout plan development. As the maritime industry increasingly focuses on nuclear energy applications, ABS has been actively supporting its deployment at sea and collaborating with industry leaders to advance several cutting-edge projects. ABS has previously released studies exploring potential SMR-powered LNG carriers and established relevant requirements for marine nuclear power systems, including the industry's first comprehensive standard for floating nuclear power plants.