You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence Asia/Pacific News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features Asia / Pacific Korean Nuclear-Powered Boxship Concept Gets ABS Approval Korean Nuclear-Powered Boxship Concept Gets ABS Approval by Ship & Bunker News Team Tuesday July 21, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The 15,000 TEU ship design features small modular reactors for propulsion. Image Credit: KRISO Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) has received approval in principle (AiP) from classification society ABS for the conceptual design of a 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered container ship. The design uses two molten salt small modular reactors (SMRs) supported by an energy storage system to provide propulsion power, KRISO said in a press release last week. The Neo-Panamax vessel is designed for a service speed of 25 knots , with the reactors positioned centrally to improve safety and operational efficiency. KRISO said the concept also removes conventional fuel tanks and funnels to increase cargo capacity and was validated through model testing in different sea conditions. The AiP confirms the technical feasibility of the concept and supports further development of nuclear-powered merchant ships. The project was developed with Samsung Heavy Industries , while the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute is developing the marine molten salt reactor technology. Although nuclear propulsion has long been used in naval vessels, its use in commercial shipping has been limited by regulatory and safety challenges. The IMO began developing a safety framework for nuclear technologies in shipping earlier this year . Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email protec