The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Samsung Heavy Industries announced at the Gastech 2025 event Gastech 2025 event that they have obtained Approval in Principle(AiP) for the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier powered by a small modular molten salt reactor(MSR).
LNG carrier prototype presented at Gastech 2025
During the event, it was confirmed that the joint design received technical certification from the American Bureau of Shipping(ABS) and the Liberian flag state. This approval validates that the technology meets international safety and technical feasibility standards.
The molten salt reactor that powers this new type of vessel is the result of a collaboration between Samsung Heavy Industries and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. In addition, its 100 MWth design requires no fuel replacement throughout the life of the vessel, representing a breakthrough in operational efficiency and energy sustainability.
The MSR technology technology uses a liquid mixture of molten salt with nuclear fuel and coolant, giving it safety, cost-effectiveness and efficiency advantages over other marine energy sources.
This breakthrough is part of the Molten Salt Reactor Innovation Technology Development Project, initiated in 2023 and supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT together with the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. The program’s goal is to complete the conceptual design of the marine MSR by 2026.
Jinyoung Cho, director of the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Research Institute, noted that the team is committed to developing a reactor that actively contributes to carbon neutrality in the global maritime industry.
The presentation of this innovation took place within the framework of Gastech 2025, where leaders from the energy and marine sectors met to discuss the future of global energy supply and transportation.
Source and photo: Kaeri
