South Korea’s HD Hyundai shipbuilding divisions—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering—have received preliminary approval from Lloyd’s Register for a concept design of a large car carrier powered by a molten salt reactor (MSR) nuclear system.
According to sea-news.az the company stated that the conceptual design and technical framework were developed by HD Hyundai. Hyundai Glovis contributed operational planning based on its vehicle transportation experience, while G-Marine Service provided ship management expertise. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute assessed the potential application of small modular reactor (SMR) technology in maritime environments.
Experts note that molten salt reactors are considered a promising option for nuclear marine propulsion due to their high safety characteristics and efficient heat transfer properties. A vessel powered by such a system would produce zero carbon emissions during operation and could run continuously for extended periods without refueling.
HD Hyundai had previously introduced MSR-based container ship concepts, while the current project extends the technology to car carriers.
Forecasts suggest that the global car carrier market will continue to grow until 2030, driven by the expansion of electric vehicles, rising export volumes, and increasing demand for low-emission shipping technologies.
At the same time, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) notes that nuclear propulsion could contribute significantly to maritime decarbonization, but emphasizes the need for strict international standards in safety regulation, crew training, insurance frameworks, and overall governance.
