Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) announced on September 9 that it will receive the world’s first Approval in Principle (AiP) for a 174,000㎥ liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier powered by a Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
The certification, jointly granted by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Liberian Registry, will be awarded during Gastech 2025, held in Milan, Italy, from September 9–12.
Pioneering SMR-Powered LNG Carrier
The SMR propulsion system is based on molten salt reactor (MSR) technology, developed jointly by Samsung Heavy Industries and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. By integrating nuclear fuel and coolant in liquid form, MSRs enhance safety, boost energy efficiency, and present a breakthrough in clean propulsion for LNG carriers.
The AiP marks a significant step toward nuclear-powered commercial shipping, offering a potential pathway to zero-carbon maritime operations.
Multiple Eco-Friendly and Digital Innovations
Beyond the SMR milestone, SHI is unveiling several other cutting-edge innovations at Gastech 2025:
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Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier: On September 9, DNV will certify an 80,000㎥ carrier featuring optimized hull design and advanced insulation.
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Wind-Assisted LNG Carrier: On September 10, Lloyd’s Register (LR) will certify a vessel integrating wind-assisted propulsion for greater fuel efficiency.
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Snap Wind Float: Between September 9–10, five global classification societies will jointly certify SHI’s 15MW floating offshore wind foundation, which employs a modular brace system to cut installation time.
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Digital Twin Partnership: On September 10, SHI will sign an agreement with Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) to integrate its DT-SLM (Ship Lifecycle Management) solution, enabling predictive maintenance and performance monitoring via digital twin technology.
Samsung Heavy Industries is positioning itself at the forefront of maritime innovation by combining nuclear propulsion, eco-friendly vessel designs, renewable energy infrastructure, and digital convergence technologies. As Vice President Jang Hae-gi noted, Gastech 2025 will serve as a showcase for SHI’s next-generation energy value chain, reinforcing its role as a global leader in advancing sustainable and digital shipbuilding solutions.
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Source: Korea IT Times
