ABS and HD Hyundai Launch Nuclear‑Powered Container Ship Design Project
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ABS and HD Hyundai sign joint development for nuclear‑propelled container ships – The American Bureau of Shipping and South Korea’s HD Hyundai formalised a partnership at HD Hyundai’s Global R&D Centre in Bundang, attended by HD KSOE electrification chief Kwon Byeong‑hun, HD HSHI design head Shim Hak‑moo, and ABS Far East Asia sales rep Matthew Muller [1].
Project targets a 16,000 TEU electric propulsion system powered by up to 100 MW SMRs – The collaboration will create a nuclear‑linked electric drive, select electrical equipment specs, and layout designs, integrating small modular reactors that can stably supply 100 MW to assess SMRs as a new ship power source [1].
Design incorporates twin‑screw, direct‑coupled propulsion to improve efficiency and cargo capacity – HD Hyundai will develop a power‑operation system for long‑distance, high‑speed ships, using twin screws for better manoeuvrability and a direct‑coupled motor‑to‑propeller link that cuts transmission loss and allows more refrigerated containers [1].
Safety measures will meet IMO and IAEA standards and address emergency scenarios – The plan adds enhanced safety standards for collisions and flooding, and adopts an onboard power system compliant with International Maritime Organization regulations and International Atomic Energy Agency safety criteria [1].
HD Hyundai previously unveiled a model and secured ABS approval in principle – The company first presented its nuclear‑powered container ship concept in February 2025 and obtained ABS AIP in September 2025 for the conceptual design of a 16,000 TEU electric propulsion system [1].
Shipping industry seeks carbon‑free propulsion as IMO aims for net‑zero by 2050 – The sector consumes roughly 350 million tonnes of fossil fuel annually, accounting for about 3 % of global CO₂ emissions, and the IMO set new greenhouse‑gas reduction targets in July 2024 to reach net‑zero around 2050 [1].
- Matthew Muller, ABS Far East Asia sales representative: “This project represents an important step in exploring the potential of a nuclear‑powered electric propulsion system for container vessels… we aim to evaluate technologies that can support safer, more efficient and lower‑emission operations for the next generation of propulsion solutions.”
- Kwon Byeong‑hun, head of the electrification centre at HD KSOE: “In response to the growing demand for eco‑friendly ships, we are continuously pursuing the development of electric propulsion systems using nuclear energy – a carbon‑free energy source… We will expand our R&D efforts to strengthen our technological competitiveness in nuclear‑linked electric propulsion.”