Maritime classification society, the American Bureau of Shipping, has issued approval in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for a concept of a floating small modular reactor-powered power module.
The design developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is intended to generate electricity offshore and near shore, supporting port facilities and onshore communities.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) completed design reviews based on the ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications. Launched in October 2024, ABS says these are the industry’s first comprehensive rules for floating nuclear power plants. At the time of the launch, ABS noted it is the responsibility of nuclear regulators to license the reactor and applicable nuclear safety structures, systems, and components.
As part of the Novel Concept Class Approval process, ABS grants an Approval in Principle at an early conceptual design phase to assist the client in demonstrating project feasibility to its project partners and regulatory bodies. Approval in Principle confirms that the proposed novel concept that includes the new technology complies with the intent of the most applicable ABS Rules and Guides as well as required appropriate industry codes and standards, subject to a list of conditions.