Classification society ABS on Monday (9 March) said it signed a joint development project (JDP) for the conceptual design of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HD HSHI).

The agreement forms a framework to assess the technical feasibility of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system specific to a 16K TEU container ship.

“This project represents an important step in exploring the potential of a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system for container vessels. By combining HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding expertise with ABS’ deep engineering experience in maritime safety, we aim to evaluate technologies that can support safer, more efficient and lower-emission operations for the next generation of propulsion solutions,” said Matthew Mueller, ABS Vice President, North Pacific Business Development.

Kwon Byung-hun, Head of the Electrification Center at HD KSOE, said: “In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly ships, we are continuously pursuing the development of electric propulsion systems using nuclear energy—a carbon-free energy source. We will expand our R&D efforts to strengthen our technological competitiveness in nuclear-linked electric propulsion.”

Under the agreement, HD KSOE and HD HSHI will develop the basic design, electrical component specifications and arrangement plans for a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system tailored for container ships.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 10 March, 2026

Nuclear energy company Ampera recently said it is adding the maritime sector as a primary segment in its growth portfolio, joining data centers and defense applications.

“Our game-changing technology strongly aligns with the business demands for commercial shipping and defense vessels,” said Brian Matthews, CEO and Founder of Ampera. 

“Having a power generation unit onboard that can provide consistent, clean and safe energy, while drastically shrinking the engine room footprint and significantly reducing vessel weight is a strong value proposition.”

Ampera is developing a compact, sealed nuclear energy system whose inherent safety characteristics make it well suited for commercial maritime propulsion. The system emphasizes exceptional safety through a highly compact architecture and a sealed, ultra-long-life core that operates for decades without refuelling. Its design aligns with established naval safety principles, eliminates fuel handling, does not use any water, minimises operational complexity and eliminates proliferation risk.

The global shipping market analysis indicates there are more than 10,000 commercial ships in operation today that could benefit from changing out their power systems to an Ampera solution. Additionally, defense vessels could utilise the thorium-fuelled system to meet their power and discharge demands, by leveraging the compact, emission-free, autonomous energy solution.

“Ampera’s architecture is perfectly suited for large vessels, cruise ships, reefer units and port barges,” added Matthews. 

“Operators we are speaking with are very enthusiastic about the economic and environmental benefits that can be achieved to make their fleets even more efficient and cost competitive.”

Photo credit: Ampera
Published: 3 February, 2026

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Thursday (29 January) said its Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) has finalized a workplan to develop a safety regulatory framework for ships using new technologies and alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

The draft workplan will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) for approval in May 2026. 

The workplan will involve developing or amending existing safety regulations related to nuclear power; wind-propulsion and wind-assisted power; and lithium-ion batteries and swappable traction battery containers on ships, that are under the purview of the SDC Sub-Committee.   

Closing the 12th session of the Sub-Committee, which met from 19 to 23 January in London, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the completion of the work plan was a “major achievement”. 

He added: “This will ensure that safety considerations evolve in parallel with the rapid technological progress driven by the IMO’s Strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships”. 

Once the draft workplan is endorsed by the Maritime Safety Committee, IMO will work towards key milestones, including: 

• 2028 (MSC 111): Adoption of amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/41 to allow for batteries to be used as the main source of electrical power and lighting systems. 
• 2029 (MSC 116): Approval of interim guidelines for the safety of ships using wind propulsion and wind-assisted power. 
• 2030 (MSC 118): Adoption of the revised Nuclear Code and amendments to SOLAS chapter VIII.  

The Sub-Committee established the SDC Correspondence Group on GHG Safety to compile and analyse information related to nuclear and wind power, as well as develop draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/41 to allow for batteries to be used as the main source of electrical power and lighting systems.  

The Correspondence Group will submit a written report to the next session of the Sub-Committee (SDC 13) in 2027.  

Note: Read the full meeting summary of SDC 12.

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 2 February, 2026