South Korean Team Advances Nuclear-Powered Container Ship Project with ABS Approval

ABS 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered container ship

Credit: Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering

A South Korean consortium has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ABS for a concept design of a 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered container ship. The project, reported by The Maritime Telegraph, is based on molten salt small modular reactors (SMRs) and remains at the design stage.

Instead of traditional marine fuel, the vessel would rely on two molten salt reactors supported by an onboard energy storage system. The setup would allow the ship to adjust power output as operating conditions change while maintaining a backup power source. According to the developers, the reactor design includes safety features that help contain radioactive material. If normal operating conditions are interrupted, the molten salt can solidify, reducing the risk of material release.

Engineers designed the vessel to sail at speeds of up to 25 knots and meet Neopanamax standards for transit through the expanded Panama Canal. By removing conventional fuel tanks and the funnel, the design could also create additional space inside the ship. The consortium now plans further testing and safety evaluations before moving toward a demonstration vessel.

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