Article Date: December 16, 2025
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping for a floating marine nuclear power platform incorporating two SMART100 small modular reactors. The certification confirms the feasibility of the concept under relevant international rules and standards.
The floating SMR platform integrates reactor and power generation systems into a modular, multi-barrier containment design. This allows key components to be tested on land before offshore deployment, enhancing safety and reducing construction time. The design can also be adapted to accommodate different SMR technologies.
The SMART100 reactor, developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, features fully passive safety systems capable of maintaining reactor cooling without external power. It offers increased thermal and electrical output compared to earlier designs and can support both electricity generation and thermal applications such as desalination.
The project represents a significant step toward the commercial deployment of offshore nuclear power and strengthens South Korea’s position in the emerging marine nuclear energy sector.
Read the full article: https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/korean-floating-smr-design-certified