ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries for a new floating offshore nuclear power platform based on small modular reactors (SMRs).
The concept, called the floating small modular reactor (FSMR), is designed to accommodate different SMR types and, in its present configuration, is arranged to carry two Smart 100 reactors. Smart 100 is an integrated SMR developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), which obtained Standard Design Approval from Korea’s Nuclear Safety & Security Commission in September 2024.
Under the certification process, Samsung Heavy Industries took charge of linking the SMRs with the floating structure, defining the overall layout of the nuclear power generation facilities, and designing a multi-barrier reactor containment system. KAERI modified its land-based Smart SMR so that it can be used in offshore applications.
The shipyard expects the FSMR to be highly beneficial because it can host a wide range of SMR types. In the design, the reactor and power-generation systems are grouped according to function, so different SMR models can be introduced by adjusting only the compartment dedicated to the reactor.
According to Samsung Heavy Industries, safety has been improved by placing the reactor and associated safety systems together in a single containment vessel. This arrangement allows an SMR to be installed and tested onshore before being deployed offshore, which is aimed at shortening construction schedules.
The AIP follows an announcement in June by Dutch marine contractor Allseas, which said it was examining the use of nuclear power to run its vessels.
Young-kyu Ahn, head of Samsung Heavy Industries’ offshore business division, said the ABS certification marks an important milestone in opening up the offshore nuclear power market. Jin-young Cho, who leads the Advanced Reactor Research Institute at KAERI, said securing the AIP demonstrates the innovative strength of Korea’s nuclear technology and added that the institute will step up technology development to help position Korea as a global leader in the offshore nuclear industry.
