ABS has issued an approval in principle (AIP) for the integration of a nuclear reactor into a cargo vessel propulsion system developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and Capital Maritime Group. In a statement sent to ship.energy today (5 June), ABS said the design uses a special synthetic fluid to carry heat from the reactor core. The classification society added that, while most designs typically focus on micro-scale thermal outputs of 10 to 20 megawatts, the MIT design’s near-atmospheric operating pressure can allow for thinner, lighter reactor vessels, which supports […]

In the latest edition of its Technology Trends report published yesterday (2 June), classification society ABS has included a focus on ‘clean energy’ solutions for the maritime sector. The report gives updates on: nuclear energy; alternative fuels, including ammonia, hydrogen, methanol and biofuels ; electrification; and carbon capture. Summarising the current state of play with shipping’s energy transition, the report concluded that: ‘The industry is looking at a range of pathways to regulatory compliance and energy resilience. Methanol offers near-term practicality. Ammonia engines are expected to reach commercial application by 2026, hydrogen engines potentially by 2028. Electrification is gaining traction […]

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has announced it has teamed up with Korean shipbuilding, marine services and nuclear research organisations to advance the development of a nuclear‑assisted car carrier concept.  In a statement issued today (2 June), the class society said it is working with Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), Hyundai Glovis, G- Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) on a joint development project (JDP) exploring an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) installation on a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).  The study focused on how a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) could be physically and operationally integrated into a large vehicle carrier. Work examined the internal arrangement and segregation of the reactor system, shielding requirements, and […]