Hyundai Glovis is examining the commercialization potential of small modular reactor (SMR)-powered pure car and truck carriers (PCTC) for routes between the United States and South Korea.
On October 6, Hyundai Glovis announced it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with LGL, a shipping and international logistics company, to jointly explore the operation of SMR-powered PCTCs on US-Korea routes.
LGL is a key contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, specializing in the transportation of automobiles, heavy equipment, breakbulk cargo, and project cargo.
Under this agreement, the two companies will study the feasibility of commercial operations for SMR-powered vessels. Hyundai Glovis will assess the characteristics of South Korean ports, regulatory environments, and operational requirements, while LGL will review relevant regulations and operational conditions in the United States. They will also jointly investigate the feasibility of ship development and construction, flag state, classification, and commercialization strategies.
Utilizing SMR as a power source is expected to result in minimal carbon emissions and allow for extended operations without fuel replacement. This design eliminates the need for fuel tanks and exhaust structures, enhancing cargo loading efficiency.
A Hyundai Glovis official stated, "We plan to verify various conditions for the actual commercial operation of these vessels. Following the proactive introduction of the world's largest LNG dual-fuel PCTC, we are expanding our scope to include next-generation zero-carbon ship technology to prepare for the future shipping market."
Meanwhile, Hyundai Glovis is accelerating the expansion of its eco-friendly fleet, having deployed the world's largest 1,800-vehicle LNG dual-fuel car carrier, the 'Glovis Leader,' this year. The company plans to increase its fleet of car carriers to 128 by 2030.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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