Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) concept, marking a further step in the development of offshore nuclear power solutions.

The design, known as the FSMR, incorporates two small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). In its initial configuration, the platform is designed to accommodate two SMART100 reactors.

According to SHI, the concept adopts a compartmentalised layout that separates the reactor systems from power generation functions. This approach is intended to provide flexibility, allowing different SMR technologies to be deployed in future iterations without major redesign.

The FSMR design integrates the reactor and associated safety systems within a single containment structure. SHI said this configuration is intended to enhance safety performance, simplify testing procedures and reduce overall construction timelines compared with more conventional arrangements.

As part of the approval process, ABS carried out a hazard identification (HAZID) workshop focused on the non-reactor elements of the design to assess potential operational and safety risks associated with the floating platform.

Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, said: "We see significant potential for floating nuclear power, and the technology is developing rapidly, as this innovative design highlights. Our focus is the safe adoption of nuclear at sea, and we are proud to use our industry-leading insight to support these important steps towards that goal."

Youngkyu Ahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Samsung Heavy Industries, commented: "This AiP is an important milestone for pioneering the offshore nuclear power generation market. Going forward, Samsung Heavy Industries will continue to develop safe and economical offshore nuclear power plants based on its offshore plant technology."

Jinyoung Cho, Senior Vice President and Head of KAERI's Advanced Nuclear Reactor Laboratory, stated: "This award of an AiP using SMART100 proves the innovativeness of our nuclear power technology. We will accelerate technology development so that our country can establish itself as a leading country in the marine nuclear power industry."

KAERI also noted that the SMART100 reactor prioritises safety through the use of passive systems that maintain cooling and ensure safe shutdown without reliance on external power, a feature designed to enhance resilience during emergency scenarios.

The AiP confirms that the overall FNPP concept meets applicable classification requirements at a conceptual level, although further design development and regulatory approvals would be required before construction or deployment.