South Korea’s Hyundai Glovis and US-based Liberty Global Logistics (LGL) have joined forces to explore the commercial operation of a nuclear-powered car carrier on a route between South Korea and the United States.
The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding covering the development and operation of a PCTC powered by a small modular reactor (SMR).
The project is now moving beyond conceptual design. The partners will assess regulatory requirements, port infrastructure, classification, flag-state requirements and the commercial feasibility of operating such a vessel.
Liberty Global Logistics will focus on the US side of the project, initially examining ports on the West Coast. The company will study federal and state approvals, infrastructure requirements and the operational conditions needed to accommodate a nuclear-powered commercial vessel.
Hyundai Glovis will conduct a similar assessment in South Korea. The two companies will also review requirements related to shipbuilding, classification and flag-state approval.
LGL President David Minetti said the aim is not only to determine whether a vessel powered by a small modular reactor can be built, but also to understand what would be required for its safe, efficient and commercially viable operation between the United States and South Korea.
Hyundai Glovis has already made progress on the technical side of the concept. A nuclear-powered PCTC project developed together with Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, G-Marine Service and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute previously received approval in principle from Lloyd’s Register.
The study examined the integration of a molten salt reactor, including shielding, vessel stability, propulsion arrangements and the potential impact on cargo capacity.
The key question now is whether commercial nuclear shipping can overcome regulatory and port-related barriers and move toward real-world, large-scale operation.
Hyundai Glovis sees the project as part of its transition from LNG and dual-fuel vessels toward a new generation of propulsion systems capable of delivering zero carbon emissions during operation.
