- Vice Minister Koo Hyuk Chae attends the launch ceremony of the IAEA ATLAS and discusses international standards and cooperation for maritime nuclear energy
- Pursuing future growth drivers in maritime nuclear energy, including the development of SMR-powered vessels based on the SEED and K-Moonshot projects
【Relevant National Task】 26-4. Securing technological sovereignty through strategic international cooperation in science and technology
Koo Hyuk Chae, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT (“MSIT”; Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon), attended the launch ceremony of ATLAS (Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Washington, D.C., from August 26 (Wednesday) to 27 (Thursday), as the head of the Republic of Korea delegation. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation for the future of maritime nuclear energy and shared Korea’s current state and commitment to cooperation.
As tackling climate change and improving energy security have emerged as key priorities for the international community, interest in new technological solutions for achieving carbon neutrality in the international shipping sector has also been growing. Accordingly, alongside advances in next-generation nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs), maritime nuclear applications, including nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power plants, are gaining attention as new solutions for the future of energy and maritime transport.
In response to these changes, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched ATLAS to establish a foundation for international cooperation aimed at the safe and responsible use of maritime nuclear energy. ATLAS is an IAEA-led framework for international cooperation, based on collaboration among international organizations in the nuclear and maritime sectors, including the IAEA and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It supports international discussions necessary for the adoption of maritime nuclear energy, including safety, security and safeguards, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks and the development of international standards. At the launch ceremony, member states discussed international standards and directions for cooperation to facilitate the adoption of maritime nuclear energy.
Korea has developed its nuclear industry based on its full-cycle experience accumulated throughout the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants, as well as its nuclear safety regulatory capabilities, while also building up world-class capabilities in the shipbuilding and marine industries. In the field of SMRs, which the government has selected as one of the seven future growth engines under the “SEED” Initiative, the government is pursuing the development of SMR-powered vessels that can contribute to the decarbonization of maritime transportation through the K-Moonshot project. To this end, the government is proceeding step by step with basic design, verification of major equipment, and development of core technologies, with the goal of completing the overall design of SMR-powered vessels and commencing construction by 2035, while also establishing the foundations required for the era of maritime nuclear power, including safety and regulatory frameworks, specialized personnel, and infrastructure.
In his keynote speech, Vice Minister Koo introduced Korea’s accumulated experience in the nuclear power, and shipbuilding and marine sectors, as well as the country’s current preparations for maritime nuclear power. He also emphasized the importance of establishing a foundation for international trust and cooperation alongside technological development for the successful utilization of maritime nuclear power. He expressed his commitment to actively participating in international discussions on safety, security, safeguards, and regulatory frameworks, while expanding cooperation with member countries in various areas, including technology, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Vice Minister Koo said, “Maritime nuclear power is a field that will open up new possibilities for the energy and maritime transportation of the future,” adding, “Through ATLAS, Korea will work together with the international community to create a safe and responsible future for maritime nuclear power.”
For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
Please refer to the attached PDF.