ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for the concept design of a 15,000 TEU nuclear-powered containership, developed with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). The vessel is designed around a small modular reactor (SMR) using marine molten salt reactor (MSR) technology. The AIP marks another step in a joint project between ABS, KRISO and KAERI to evaluate the technical feasibility of nuclear-powered commercial shipping. KRISO developed the containership concept, while KAERI designed the marine molten salt reactor. ABS carried out the classification review and assessed the overall concept against class and safety requirements. The project forms part of a broader collaboration to address the technical, regulatory and safety challenges associated with nuclear-powered merchant vessels. Patrick Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at ABS, said nuclear technology has the potential to reshape commercial shipping by changing vessel design, operating range and energy economics. He added that ABS is focused on developing the technical and safety framework needed to support future nuclear-powered ships. The collaboration builds on a 2025 memorandum of understanding between ABS and KRISO covering nuclear-powered ships and floating nuclear power platforms. KRISO President Keyyong Hong said SMR-powered vessels could become a key technology for the future competitiveness of the shipping industry. He added that KRISO will continue research and international cooperation to improve the marine application of nuclear-powered vessels and help develop global standards. KAERI Senior Vice President Jinyoung Cho said the institute will continue refining the interface between the reactor system and the vessel while advancing testing and demonstration activities needed to support the commercialisation of SMR-powered ships. The post ABS grants AIP for nuclear-powered 15,000 TEU cont