HD KSOE announced that it had revealed its nuclear-powered container ship design model for the first time at the New Nuclear for Maritime Houston Summit, held at the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston, USA.
The newly unveiled design model features enhanced economic efficiency and safety by incorporating actual equipment and safety design concepts.
Unlike conventional ships, nuclear-powered vessels do not require engine exhaust systems or fuel tanks. The company has used the space previously occupied by large engine room equipment to accommodate additional containers. They have also applied a marine radiation shielding system using a double-tank method with stainless steel and so-called light water.
"Nuclear-powered vessels can be a game-changer in the current shipbuilding market, where carbon neutrality is emerging," said Patrick Ryan, Chief Technology Officer of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). "ABS and HD KSOE will contribute to accelerating the commercialization of marine nuclear technology in the global shipbuilding market," he added.
HD KSOE plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Center in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, to verify safety designs.