21/03/2025
Time for Knowledge!
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), a subsidiary of HD Hyundai, has unveiled a groundbreaking design for a nuclear-powered container ship utilizing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. This innovative approach aims to revolutionize maritime transportation by enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
The proposed 15,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) class vessel eliminates the need for traditional engine exhaust systems and fuel tanks. This design optimization allows for increased cargo capacity, thereby improving economic efficiency. A marine radiation shielding system employing a double-tank method with stainless steel and light water has been incorporated to ensure safety.
In collaboration with Baker Hughes, HHI has integrated a supercritical carbon dioxide-based propulsion system into the design. This system enhances thermal efficiency by approximately 5% compared to conventional steam-based propulsion methods.
To validate these advancements, HHI plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Centre in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. This initiative aims to verify the safety and efficacy of nuclear-powered vessel designs.
This development positions Hyundai at the forefront of maritime innovation, offering a potential solution to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry. By leveraging SMR technology, Hyundai aims to set new standards for efficiency and environmental responsibility in global shipping.
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Source: Ship Technology
