South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai has taken a step toward advancing maritime propulsion technology after signing a joint development agreement with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Announced on March 9, the partnership focuses on developing the conceptual design of nuclear-linked electric propulsion systems for large container vessels. The initiative is aimed at exploring the feasibility of nuclear-powered container ships for commercial maritime transport. The agreement was formalized at the company’s Global R&D Center in Bundang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, highlighting a new phase in the exploration of alternative energy solutions for long-distance shipping.
Under the collaboration, HD Hyundai and ABS will work together on the conceptual design of a 16,000-TEU container ship using nuclear-linked electric propulsion technology. A vessel of this scale is capable of transporting tens of thousands of cargo containers across global shipping routes. The project is intended to examine whether nuclear energy could provide a dependable and efficient power source for large vessels engaged in long-haul maritime operations. If successfully developed, the concept could represent a key step toward the future deployment of nuclear-powered container ships in international trade.
The engineering work associated with the project will address several technical components required for such vessels. These include the core design of electric propulsion systems connected to nuclear energy sources, the selection of electrical equipment, and the configuration of major onboard power systems. A central feature of the concept is the use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology as the vessel’s primary energy source. These compact nuclear reactors are capable of generating up to about 100 megawatts (134,000 horsepower) of power. Because of their modular design and relatively smaller footprint, they offer potential advantages in integrating nuclear systems into maritime platforms such as nuclear-powered container ships.
Engineers from both organizations will analyze how these reactors could meet the significant energy demands of container ships operating over long ocean distances at high speeds. If the design proves viable, the propulsion concept could eliminate the need for conventional fossil-fuel engines in certain maritime applications. ABS, as a classification society, will play a critical role by assessing design standards and verifying that vessels meet international safety and operational requirements before entering service. HD Hyundai plans to develop a dedicated power management system tailored specifically for container ships operating with nuclear-linked electric propulsion.
Additional design elements include a twin-screw propeller arrangement, where two propellers operate simultaneously to improve thrust and maneuverability for large cargo ships navigating congested ports and restricted waterways. The concept also incorporates a direct-drive propulsion system that links the electric motor directly to the propeller, reducing mechanical losses typically associated with power transmission. Such features could enhance operational efficiency for future nuclear-powered container ships while reducing energy waste.
The vessel design may also allow operators to carry a greater number of refrigerated containers, or reefer units, which require significant electrical power to maintain low temperatures for frozen or chilled cargo. A stable and high-capacity power supply could support more of these energy-intensive containers, offering increased flexibility in cargo operations.
Safety considerations remain central to the development process. Engineers are working to incorporate strengthened safety standards directly into the ship’s design. Systems are planned to maintain secure operations even under extreme scenarios such as collisions or flooding. Power systems will also be designed to align with global regulations established by the International Maritime Organization and nuclear safety guidelines issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
HD Hyundai first presented its nuclear-powered container ships concept during the Houston Maritime Nuclear Summit in February last year. Later in the same year, the company received Approval in Principle from ABS for the propulsion concept at Gastech 2026, signaling continued progress in the development of nuclear-powered commercial shipping technology.
