Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 28, 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. The AiP confirms the feasibility of the vessel concept and verifies that no significant technical barriers exist for implementation.

The presentation took place at DNV’s Busan offices and was attended by Sungkon Han, Executive Vice President of HD KSOE’s Green Energy Research Lab; Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV; and Ole Christen Reistad, Senior Principal Researcher and nuclear research lead at DNV. The attendees discussed the project outcome and the potential for nuclear-powered shipping.

The vessel design applies SMR technology with a supercritical CO2-based power generation system, offering higher thermal efficiency and a reduced equipment footprint compared to conventional steam-based systems. The 15,000 TEU vessel is designed to operate at 24 knots while maintaining high safety standards.

DNV reviewed the conceptual design in accordance with relevant rules, including SOLAS Chapter VIII and the IMO Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships. The assessment covered vessel safety, power supply, main functions, and the advanced propulsion system. In May 2025, HD KSOE and DNV conducted a HAZID workshop in Oslo to identify potential risks and accident scenarios for nuclear-powered vessels, guiding improvements in design.

Dr Kwangpil Chang, CTO of HD KSOE, said: “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 vessel safety and advancing the propulsion system using 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.”

Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV, added: “Shifting environmental requirements and advances in technology are reigniting interest in nuclear propulsion as a potential solution for maritime decarbonisation. With limited recent experience in using 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, the well-deserved result of an intensive and productive cooperation that we look forward to continuing as this exciting technology develops.”

DNV recently released a white paper examining nuclear vessels for commercial shipping, covering reactor technologies, vessel construction and operation, fuel management, waste handling, and oversight of nuclear supply chains. An AiP provides an independent assessment of a concept within a defined framework of requirements, confirming design feasibility and safety.

Earlier in March, PSA International, DNV Singapore, and Pacific International Lines signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on carbon emission measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV), highlighting ongoing efforts to advance decarbonisation and sustainability in the maritime sector.