HD Hyundai Heavy Forms Consortium with 11 Partners for Marine SMR Test Centre

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has joined 11 other organisations to establish a Marine Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology Demonstration Center in South Korea, aiming to accelerate the commercialisation of marine SMR technologies.

Consortium Includes Leading Shipbuilding, Nuclear, and Academic Institutions

The memorandum of understanding was signed on 6 October at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). The consortium comprises HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, KEPCO Engineering & Construction, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the Korean Register, Hyundai Heavy Industries Turbomachinery, Clad Korea, Ulsan Technopark, UNIST, Seoul National University, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Hanyang University.

Test Centre to Integrate Technologies and Resources

The newly formed centre will function as a hub that integrates design and construction expertise from shipbuilders, nuclear industry knowledge, and university research capabilities. Its objectives include joint development, testing, and verification of marine SMR technologies, establishing a foundation for industrialisation in the sector.

Shared Facilities to Reduce Redundancy and Enhance Verification

Member institutions plan to share existing test facilities and research infrastructure. This collaboration is intended to reduce duplicate investments and improve efficiency in technology verification processes. Additionally, the centre aims to align industrial technology requirements with academic research to jointly develop essential core technologies for marine SMR applications.

Collaboration to Support Large-Scale Projects and Government R&D

The participating organisations intend to jointly identify and plan significant national projects and government research and development initiatives related to marine SMRs. This coordinated approach seeks to leverage their combined expertise and resources for more effective project execution.

Implications for Industrial Operations in Asia-Pacific

The establishment of the Marine SMR Technology Demonstration Center is poised to enhance South Korea’s capabilities in developing marine nuclear propulsion systems. For shipbuilders and energy companies, the initiative could streamline the integration of nuclear technologies in maritime vessels, potentially offering decarbonisation pathways aligned with regional energy policy goals. The collaboration also highlights a trend towards enhanced cooperation between heavy industry and academia to address complex technological challenges in the maritime domain.

Next Steps Focus on Demonstration and Industrialisation

According to Won Kwang-sik, executive vice president and head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Offshore and Energy Business Division, the centre will serve as a cooperation hub linking domestic shipbuilding and nuclear sector expertise. The consortium plans to progressively build foundational capabilities to demonstrate and eventually industrialise marine nuclear technology.