South Korea has become the first nation to obtain regulatory approval for a commercial ship powered by a nuclear reactor, marking a quantum leap in maritime decarbonization. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and Samsung Heavy Industries recently received “approval in principle” from the American Bureau of Shipping and the Liberian flag administration for their innovative LNG carrier featuring a small modular molten salt reactor (MSR). This certification was announced at Gastech 2025 in Milan, Italy, establishing a regulatory milestone for marine nuclear propulsion technology.
How the Molten Salt Reactor Works
The approved vessel design centers on a 100-megawatt thermal MSR, utilizing liquid nuclear fuel comprised of molten salt mixed with nuclear material. Unlike conventional reactors that rely on solid fuel rods, this system offers enhanced safety and improved energy efficiency. Notably, the reactor is built to last the entire lifespan of the ship without refueling, solving critical logistical and operational challenges, including the elimination of fossil fuel engines in a 174,000-cubic-meter LNG carrier.
This development arrives as the shipping industry faces urgent pressure to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with International Maritime Organization targets. Global commercial ships currently burn approximately 350 million tonnes of fossil fuel each year, resulting in about 3% of worldwide carbon emissions. The American Bureau of Shipping and other maritime safety leaders suggest that nuclear-powered ships could drastically cut emissions, enable faster transit speeds, and support compliance with evolving regulatory demands. Unlike alternative fuels, nuclear propulsion solves infrastructure and energy density bottlenecks for long-haul maritime operations.
KAERI and Samsung Heavy Industries are targeting a 2026 completion for the conceptual design of the marine MSR. This project is part of a wider Korean initiative, underwritten by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, to pioneer molten salt reactor innovation. However, challenges remain: widespread public concern, regulatory complexity, and insurance issues—particularly around liability—pose major hurdles. Experts indicate that robust international frameworks must be established to address risks and unlock commercial deployment at scale.
Industry Significance
The new certification confirms the Korean reactor design conforms to stringent safety and international maritime regulations, marking a strong step toward commercial nuclear-powered shipping. As decarbonization mandates reshape the industry, Korea’s breakthrough could set the stage for an era where nuclear propulsion is no longer reserved for naval vessels but becomes a solution for the world’s largest commercial fleets.
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