Classification society DNV has awarded HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a 15,000 TEU container vessel design powered by Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, marking a major step toward the potential use of nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping.
The concept vessel is designed to operate at 24 knots and features a supercritical CO₂-based power generation system, offering higher thermal efficiency and a smaller equipment footprint than conventional steam-based systems. DNV reviewed the design in line with SOLAS Ch. VIII and the IMO Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships.
“This SMR-powered container vessel concept represents a key milestone in our efforts to explore alternative fuels for decarbonising shipping,” said Dr Kwangpil Chang, CTO of HD KSOE. “We’ve focused on reactor safety and vessel survivability, even in extreme scenarios such as collisions or groundings.”
The AiP follows extensive collaboration between DNV and HD KSOE, including a HAZID workshop held in Oslo in May 2025 to assess potential risks and guide design improvements.
“This AiP represents an important first step in building the technical verification process for nuclear-powered vessels,” said Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV. “We look forward to continuing our cooperation as this promising technology evolves.”
DNV also recently released a white paper exploring the potential of nuclear propulsion in commercial shipping, covering safety, fuel management, waste handling, and regulatory oversight.
