KRISO, KAERI, and Samsung Heavy Industries have secured Approval in Principle from ABS for the conceptual design of a 15,000 TEU container ship powered by dual Molten Salt Reactors. Capable of 25-knot transit speeds without traditional fuel tanks or funnels, the Neo-Panamax vessel utilizes an integrated energy storage system and centralized reactor placement to pioneer zero-emission maritime propulsion.
Daejeon | July 16, 2026 – In a major milestone for maritime nuclear propulsion, the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its conceptual design of a 15,000 TEU container ship powered by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Developed as part of a joint initiative alongside Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Neo-Panamax class vessel utilizes two Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) as its primary energy source. The design represents a landmark step toward zero-emission long-haul commercial shipping, combining high-speed transit capability with advanced nuclear safety features.
Technical Specifications & Innovative Design Features
The conceptual design balances operational performance, safety engineering, and commercial cargo efficiency for long-distance container routes:
| Parameter / Feature | Engineering Specification |
| Vessel Type & Capacity | 15,000 TEU (Neo-Panamax class, Panama Canal transit capable) |
| Reactor Technology | Dual Marine Molten Salt Reactors (MARINA MSRs developed by KAERI) |
| Operating Speed | High-speed hull form optimized for 25 knots |
| Power Management | Dual-SMR output sharing paired with an Energy Storage System (ESS) |
| Safety Integration | Centralized reactor placement, passive cooling, radiation shielding accommodation |
| Space Optimization | Elimination of conventional fuel tanks and exhaust funnels |
High Safety and Enhanced Space Utilization
Unlike traditional pressurized water reactors, Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) integrate nuclear fuel directly into liquid salt coolant. In the event of an emergency or power loss, the liquid fuel solidifies as it cools, preventing containment leaks and catastrophic meltdowns. MSRs operate without requiring fuel replacement for extended periods, making them ideal for long-distance ocean voyages.
Key Architectural Advantages:
- Redundant Power Management: The dual-reactor setup shares baseline power demands, while an onboard Energy Storage System (ESS) absorbs surplus energy to cover sudden peak loads or maneuvering demands.
- Centralized Protection: Positioning the reactors at the hull’s center protects the propulsion core from severe wave impact and external collision hazards.
- Maximized Cargo Space: Removing heavy fuel oil (HFO) tanks, scrubbers, and exhaust funnels frees up substantial internal volume, improving overall cargo-loading efficiency.
- Hydrodynamic Reliability: KRISO validated the vessel’s sea-keeping and motion behavior in various sea states through scaled model testing at its deep-sea engineering tank in Daejeon.
Stakeholder Roles in South Korea’s Maritime Nuclear Initiative
The project is part of a 29 billion KRW ($19.5 million USD) national R&D initiative running from 2023 to 2026:
| Partner Organization | Strategic Project Contribution |
| KRISO (Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering) | High-speed hull design, hydrodynamic safety analysis, sea-keeping tests, and system integration. |
| KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute) | Development of the specialized Marine Molten Salt Reactor (MARINA) core. |
| Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) | Commercial vessel architecture, reactor compartment layout, and power control systems. |
| ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) | Safety verification, rule compliance review, and issuance of Approval in Principle (AiP). |
Executive Commentary
Highlighting the importance of marine-specific engineering, Baek Bu-geun, Principal Researcher at KRISO and lead researcher on the project, noted:
“To apply SMRs to ship propulsion systems, not only the safety of the reactor but also the structure and operational characteristics of the ship and the marine environment must be comprehensively considered. Based on this achievement, we will lay the foundation for the demonstration and commercialization of SMR-powered ships by conducting follow-up research in stages, including basic design and detailed design considering the ship-reactor interface.”
Hong Ki-yong, President of KRISO, emphasized the global strategic value:
“SMR-powered vessels are a next-generation technology that will determine the competitiveness of the future shipping industry, and securing design technology suitable for the marine environment is of the utmost importance. KRISO will continue to strive to enhance the marine applicability of nuclear-powered vessels through research and development in the field of marine engineering and international cooperation, and to contribute to the establishment of related technologies and international standards.”
Cho Jin-young, Director of KAERI’s Advanced Reactor Research Institute, added:
“This AiP acquisition will serve as a foundation for South Korea to lead the next-generation carbon-free ship market, based on the world’s best nuclear technology and shipbuilding competitiveness.”
About Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO)
Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Daejeon, South Korea, the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) is a premier government-funded research institution dedicated to naval architecture and ocean engineering. Operating under the Ministry of Science and ICT, KRISO serves as the technological core driving South Korea’s global leadership in shipbuilding, smart shipping, and ocean space development.
KRISO focuses on pioneering next-generation maritime solutions, including autonomous navigation, deep-sea exploration robotics, and zero-emission marine propulsion systems like hydrogen, ammonia, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Utilizing world-class testing infrastructure, such as its deep-ocean engineering basin and cavitation tunnels, KRISO bridges fundamental marine science with industrial application to establish new international safety and engineering standards.
Source: KRISO