HD Hyundai takes nuclear ship ambitions into car carrier sector

South Korea’s HD Hyundai is looking to expand the application of small modular reactor (SMR) propulsion technology from container ships to car carriers.

HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding affiliates, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, received approval in principle for the conceptual design of a large pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) applying a molten salt reactor from Lloyd’s Register.

HD Hyundai handled the vessel conceptual design and technical review, while Hyundai Glovis proposed operational plans based on its car carrier operating experience. G-Marine Service conducted reviews from a ship management perspective, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute reviewed the MSR technology.

An MSR is a type of SMR that uses molten salt, a mixture of nuclear fuel and coolant, as its fuel. It is evaluated as suitable for offshore nuclear power generation due to its high safety and efficiency.

An SMR-propelled vessel mounts a small reactor on a ship and utilises the energy for propulsion, emitting no carbon dioxide during operation and enabling long-term, high-output operation. HD Hyundai had previously promoted MSR-based container ships and has now expanded the technology to car carriers.

The global maritime car carrier market is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 3.8% from 2024 to 2030, reaching approximately $4.5bn in 2030, driven by finished-vehicle exports, electric-vehicle cargo volume, and demand for eco-friendly vessels.

The European Maritime Safety Agency pointed out that while nuclear power can contribute to shipping decarbonisation, challenges related to production, safety, security, education, liability, and insurance systems must first be resolved.

“We are showcasing leading eco-friendly vessel technology in cooperation with major shipping companies and classification societies. We will continue to lead the era of carbon-neutral vessels through technology development and investment,” HD Hyundai said.

Source: Splash 247

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