HD Hyundai is expanding the vessel types applying the small modular reactor (SMR) propulsion system it is currently developing from existing container ships to pure car and truck carriers (PCTC).

HD Hyundai announced on the 5th that its shipbuilding affiliates HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering received Approval in Principle (AIP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) at “Posidonia 2026” in Athens, Greece, for the concept design of a large PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) applying a molten salt reactor (MSR).

The company obtained AIP for the SMR container ship design in September last year. In February 2025, it unveiled the world’s first SMR-propelled container ship design model at the Offshore Nuclear Summit held in Houston, the United States, and received AIP from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) after the safety and feasibility of the design were officially recognized. It secured the additional certification about nine months after the first SMR-propelled vessel certification.

Hyundai Glovis and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute also participated in this SMR-powered PCTC project. HD Hyundai was responsible for vessel concept design and technical review. Hyundai Glovis proposed an operational plan based on its PCTC operation experience, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute handled the MSR technology review. MSR is a type of SMR that uses molten salt, which mixes nuclear fuel and coolant, as fuel. It is evaluated as a next-generation reactor optimized for offshore nuclear power generation due to its safety and high efficiency. HD Hyundai is developing a container ship using an MSR engine system, and the same propulsion system will be applied to the PCTC.

During the Posidonia exhibition in Athens, Greece, HD Hyundai also received certifications for various technologies, including the industry’s first LPG dual-fuel container ship under development and an LPG carrier applying a type-B tank with enhanced safety. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Skaramangas Shipyard, the largest shipyard in Greece, to jointly participate in projects for Greek Navy and Coast Guard vessels and manned-unmanned integrated systems including unmanned surface vessels (USV). Avikus, HD Hyundai’s autonomous navigation subsidiary, signed an MOU with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction for the adoption of the autonomous navigation solution “HiNAS Control” as a standard specification. Under the agreement, Avikus’s autonomous navigation system will be adopted as a standard specification on all commercial vessels built by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.

An HD Hyundai representative said, “HD Hyundai is showcasing leading eco-friendly ship technologies in cooperation with major shipping companies and classification societies,” adding, “The company will continue to lead the era of carbon-neutral vessels through ongoing technology development and investment.”

HD Hyundai participated in “Posidonia 2026” with five affiliates: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Samho, HD Hyundai Marine Solution, Avikus, and HD Hyundai Electric. HD Hyundai set up a booth in the Korea Pavilion organized by the Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association to exhibit eco-friendly vessels. In a separate HD Hyundai exhibition area, the company displayed vessels and equipment designed to enhance energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, marking its 29th edition this year, Posidonia is regarded as one of the world’s top three shipbuilding and maritime exhibitions, along with Nor-Shipping in Norway and SMM (Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology trade fair) in Germany.

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