26 Sept 2025
Samsung Heavy Industries and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) have achieved a major milestone by receiving the world’s first Approval in Principle (AiP) for a nuclear-powered liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier design, granted by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Liberian flag state. This innovative vessel will be powered by a small modular molten salt reactor (MSR), which uses molten salt as both fuel and coolant, offering enhanced safety and energy efficiency. The reactor is designed to operate at 100 megawatts thermal (MWth) and can last the entire lifespan of the ship without needing fuel replacement, making it a sustainable and low-maintenance energy source. The project, which began in 2023, aims to complete its conceptual design by 2026 and is supported by South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The certification was announced at Gastech 2025 in Milan, marking a significant step toward carbon neutrality in maritime transport. This development could revolutionize the shipping industry by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, while also showcasing the potential of nuclear technology in commercial marine applications. It represents a bold move toward cleaner, more efficient global energy solutions. Read more