ABS approves concept for floating small modular reactor

This will generate electricity for port facilities and onshore communities.

ABS has issued an approval in principle (AIP) for a concept of a floating small modular reactor (SMR)-powered power module that will support ports and onshore communities.

The concept developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) aims to generate electricity offshore and near shore, to energise port facilities and onshore communities.

“Floating nuclear power facilities show promise in supporting power grids, microgrids, industrial and port operations, data centers, and other uses. Additionally, today’s advanced nuclear technology has a different risk profile from traditional reactor technology with state-of-the-art designs and with lower enrichment fuels, making commercial offshore and maritime applications more viable,” said Patrick Ryan, senior vice president and chief technology officer at ABS.

The AIP is the second for a floating nuclear power barge design from HD KSOE and is the latest step in a long-running collaboration with ABS on nuclear technologies, including another power barge design and a 15,000 TEU nuclear-propelled containership.