Samsung Heavy Industries will collaborate with with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to develop nuclear-powered ships.
More specifically, with the cooperation with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Samsung Heavy plans to develop molten salt reactors, whcich is small module reactor, using molten fluoride salts as the primary coolant, at low pressure, which have been emerging as a carbon-zero nuclear energy source.
Commenting on this move, Samsung Heavy stated that it aims to tap into the market of floating nuclear power generation plants and nuclear power-propelled ships on the basis of molten salt reactors.
What is more, according to Yonhap news agency, Samsung Heavy Industries will also push ahead with the project to foster one of its future growth engines, including technologies related with ammonia and hydrogen.
The environmental benefits of nuclear power are undisputable, however it is not widespread for various reasons.
One of them – perhaps the most important – is how the public sees nuclear power, as it is not accepted yet.
Nevertheless, the barriers do not stop to public perception, and they are practical as well. Namely, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that the main problem nuclear power has is radioactive waste disposal and accidental release of radioactivity. Such accidents can be really catastrophical for everyone involved.
However, nuclear power can ensure shipping reaching IMO’s 2050 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction ambition. In fact, the carbon savings from nuclear powered ships is best demonstrated by comparing similar sized ships.
In addition, besides fuel savings, nuclear powered ships go about 50% faster than oil-fueled ships of the same size
