HD Hyundai expands SMR-powered vessel lineup with car carrier design certification

HD Hyundai is expanding its lineup of ships powered by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), moving beyond container ships to include car carriers. The company announced on June 5th that its shipbuilding subsidiaries, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, received Approval in Principle (AIP) from the UK's Lloyd's Register for a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) powered large car carrier concept design. This follows a similar certification for an SMR container ship design in September of the previous year.

The development of the SMR-powered car carrier involved collaboration with Hyundai Glovis, which provided operational insights, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, which reviewed the MSR technology. MSRs are considered a next-generation reactor type, optimal for maritime nuclear power due to their safety and efficiency. HD Hyundai is developing both container and car carrier designs with this propulsion system.

At the Posidonia 2026 exhibition in Athens, Greece, HD Hyundai also showcased other certifications for various technologies, including an LPG dual-fuel container ship and an LPG carrier with enhanced safety features. Additionally, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding with Greece's Skaramangas Shipyards for joint projects, and Avikus, HD Hyundai's autonomous navigation subsidiary, partnered with HJ Heavy Industries to adopt its autonomous navigation system as a standard specification.

HD Hyundai stated its commitment to leading the era of carbon-neutral ships through continuous technological development and investment. The company, along with its five participating affiliates, is exhibiting its eco-friendly vessel technologies at the Korean pavilion and its own exhibition hall at Posidonia, one of the world's top three shipbuilding and marine exhibitions.

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HD Hyundai is showcasing leading eco-friendly vessel technology in cooperation with major shipping companies and classification societies. We will continue to lead the era of carbon-neutral ships through technological development and investment.