Consortium comes together to advance a nuclear-assisted car carrier concept

The study examined the potential integration of a molten salt reactor (MSR) into a large vehicle carrier, focusing on how such a system could be physically and operationally incorporated.

While nuclear propulsion is still at an early stage of development, this project shows the importance of building technical understanding now to support future progress. Establishing feasibility at concept stage is a valuable step forward, particularly in areas such as cargo optimisation, vessel stability and integrated safety design.

…said Sung-Gu Park, President – North East Asia, Lloyd’s Register.

This included analysis of internal layout and system segregation, shielding requirements, and the implications for cargo deck configuration, vehicle capacity, stability, and trim resulting from the reactor’s weight and placement.

The partners also assessed propulsion architecture and power delivery systems, as well as operational flexibility compared with conventionally fuelled PCTCs, which are often constrained by fixed trade routes and port call requirements.

With global environmental regulations becoming increasingly stringent and no definitive net-zero fuel yet available, SMR-powered ships can serve as a highly effective alternative, representing a pioneering next-generation maritime technology capable of complying with GHG emission regulations while allowing lifetime operation without refuelling, and HD HHI will remain at the forefront of sustainable maritime technology development.

…highlighted Hong-Ryeul Ryu, CTO and Senior Executive Vice President at HD HHI.

Safety considerations formed a central pillar of the project. LR led hazard identification (HAZID) and preliminary risk assessment work, with a focus on containment, onboard safety systems, and operational constraints associated with deploying nuclear technology at sea.

The collaboration was be marked by an Approval in Principle (AiP) ceremony on 2 June at the LR stand during Posidonia 2026.

A spokesperson from Hyundai Glovis further commented: “As an operator of one of the world’s largest PCTC fleets, we understand first-hand the operational realities and limitations of conventional propulsion. This study has demonstrated the technical feasibility of nuclear-assisted propulsion for large vehicle carriers, while also highlighting broader future potential in vessel design and operational flexibility. As a company committed to net-zero by 2045, we believe this represents a credible long-term option worthy of further development together with our partners.”

In addition, a G-Marine Service spokesperson said that the application of small modular reactor technology to a PCTC represents a meaningful step in exploring practical pathways toward zero-emission vessel.

“From a ship management perspective, this project is important not only for assessing technical feasibility, but also for examining how SMR-based propulsion can be integrated into real operating environments, including onboard safety, maintainability, crew support and long-term operational reliability. G-Marine Service is pleased to contribute its operational expertise to this joint effort and to support the development of safe and credible solutions for the future of maritime transport.”

At Posidonia 2026, LR convened senior leaders from across shipping, nuclear and international regulation for a high-level roundtable on the future of nuclear propulsion.

Held on 1 June at the Athens Olympic Museum, the closed-door session convened around 20 senior representatives from shipowners, reactor developers, regulators and industry bodies. Discussions focused on the technical, regulatory and commercial steps required to move nuclear-powered shipping closer to practical deployment.

The meeting was intended to shift the conversation beyond conceptual debate towards implementation, highlighting LR’s role in linking nuclear safety expertise, maritime assurance and cross-sector collaboration in support of safe and commercially viable nuclear propulsion.

As an institution developing advanced reactor technologies, KAERI considers this work a meaningful achievement in assessing the potential application of SMRs in the maritime sector, taking actual ship operating environments into account. The study is particularly significant because it examined the technical feasibility of applying an MSR type marine SMR to a specific target vessel, namely a PCTC.

…said a Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) spokesperson, further noting that KAERI will continue its efforts, through sustained verification and demonstration, to help ensure that this technology contributes to carbon neutrality in maritime transport.