ABS and HD Hyundai have launched a joint development project to examine the feasibility of nuclear-powered electric propulsion systems for large container ships.

The agreement brings together ABS, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HD HSHI) to develop a conceptual design for a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system tailored for container vessels.

Signed at HD Hyundai’s Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, the project will assess the technical viability of applying the technology to a 16,000-teu container ship.

“This project represents an important step in exploring the potential of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for container vessels. By combining HD Hyundai's shipbuilding expertise with ABS's deep engineering experience in maritime safety, we aim to evaluate technologies that can support safer, more efficient and lower-emission operations for the next generation of propulsion solutions,” said Matthew Mueller, ABS vice president, North Pacific business development.

As part of the collaboration, HD KSOE and HD HSHI will work on the vessel’s basic design, as well as electrical component specifications and system arrangement plans for the nuclear-powered propulsion concept.

Kwon Byung-hun, head of the Electrification Center at HD KSOE, said: “In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly ships, we are continuously pursuing the development of electric propulsion systems using nuclear energy, a carbon-free energy source. We will expand our R&D efforts to strengthen our technological competitiveness in nuclear-linked electric propulsion.”

The initiative reflects renewed interest in nuclear energy within the maritime and offshore sectors as companies explore low-emission propulsion alternatives.

ABS has previously examined nuclear applications in shipping, including a study evaluating a small modular reactor-powered LNG carrier. The classification society has also issued requirements for nuclear power systems in marine and offshore applications and developed guidelines for floating nuclear power plants as part of its Pathways to a Low Carbon Future programme.