SEOUL: Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has received approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to develop a floating small modular nuclear reactor, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of next-generation clean energy technologies.
The approval paves the way for the development of a Floating Small Modular Reactor (FSMR), designed to operate on maritime platforms as a mobile power generation solution. The project is being developed in collaboration with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), based on the SMART100 reactor design.
SMART100, or System-integrated Modular Advanced Reactor 100, is capable of delivering up to 365 megawatts of thermal output and approximately 110 megawatts of electrical power, making it suitable for energy-intensive applications such as data centres, heavy industries, and remote regions with limited grid connectivity.
One of the defining features of Samsung’s FSMR concept is its modular construction approach. Reactor modules can be fully fabricated, assembled, and tested on land before being installed on floating platforms. This method significantly enhances safety, reduces construction risks, and shortens deployment timelines.
The reactor is designed with a projected operational lifespan of up to 60 years, while requiring fuel replacement only once every three years, offering long-term efficiency and cost stability compared with traditional nuclear facilities.
Industry analysts view ABS’s early approval as a critical step in establishing credibility for floating nuclear power systems, particularly as governments and corporations seek reliable low-carbon energy sources to meet climate targets.
Samsung Heavy Industries has positioned this initiative as part of its broader strategy to expand into future energy solutions, leveraging its expertise in shipbuilding, offshore engineering, and advanced industrial systems.
Although the project remains in the early development phase, approval from a globally recognised classification society such as ABS is a prerequisite for future commercialisation.
If successfully deployed, floating modular nuclear reactors could transform global energy infrastructure by providing flexible, scalable, and carbon-free power solutions, particularly in regions facing land constraints or rising energy demand.