Samsung Heavy Industries Develops Offshore SMR, Accelerating Commercialization

December 17, 2025

From left, Ahn Young-kyu, head of Samsung Heavy Industries' Technology Development Division; Patrick Ryan, chief technology officer (CTO) of ABS; and Cho Jin-young, director of the Advanced Reactor Research Institute at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), pose for a commemorative photo at the conceptual design certification ceremony for the floating offshore nuclear power plant platform, the FSMR. (Photo courtesy of Samsung Heavy Industries)

Floating Offshore Nuclear Power Platform FSMR Receives US ABS Certification

Samsung Heavy Industries has developed a floating offshore nuclear power platform “FSMR” capable of mounting various types of small modular reactors (SMRs).

The shipbuilder announced on Dec. 15 that it has obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from U.S. classification society ABS for the FSMR equipped with two SMART 100 units. SMART 100 is an integral SMR developed by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) that received standard design certification from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission in September last year.

In this certification, Samsung Heavy Industries was responsible for SMR and floating body integration, comprehensive design of nuclear power generation facilities, and development of multi-barrier reactor containment vessels, while KAERI performed the task of converting the land-based SMR SMART 100 for offshore use.

Samsung Heavy Industries views the FSMR as advantageous for commercialization in that it is a versatile floating nuclear facility model capable of mounting various types of SMRs. The FSMR is characterized by applying so-called compartment design that functionally separates and groups reactors and power generation facilities before arrangement. Development of FSMRs with various types of SMRs is possible by changing the design only for compartments where SMRs are placed.

Additionally, the reactor and safety systems, which are core components of floating nuclear power facilities, have been modularized within a single containment vessel to enhance safety, and the placement of SMRs within containment vessels enables testing on land before shipboard installation, allowing for schedule reduction.

Ahn Young-kyu, head of Samsung Heavy Industries’ Technology Development Division, said, “This certification is an important milestone for pioneering the offshore nuclear power market,” adding, “We will secure safe and economical offshore nuclear power technology with Samsung Heavy Industries’ proud floating technology.”

Jo Jin-young, director of KAERI’s Advanced Reactor Research Institute, emphasized, “Obtaining this AIP utilizing SMART100 proves the innovation of our nuclear technology,” adding, “We will accelerate technology development so that Korea can establish itself as a leading country in the marine nuclear industry.”

Source: BusinessKorea