Hyundai Glovis has signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based Liberty Global Logistics to study the feasibility of an SMR-powered pure car and truck carrier running between Korea and the US. The two companies will split the work: Hyundai Glovis looks at Korean port conditions, regulations, and operational needs, while LGL reviews the US regulatory and operating environment. They will also examine vessel design, flag-state requirements, and commercialization paths. This follows an approval in principle from Lloyd's Register for Hyundai Glovis' SMR-powered PCTC concept, received in June. The companies say an SMR-powered vessel could run for long periods with minimal carbon emissions and no frequent refueling, while freeing up cargo space by removing conventional fuel tanks and exhaust systems. The project ties into South Korea's K-Moonshot initiative, which is pushing i-SMR reactors and nuclear-powered shipbuilding. The key question is whether the regulatory and cost hurdles can be cleared. An AiP confirms a concept is technically plausible, but commercial operation depends on nuclear certification, port acceptance, and economics versus LNG dual-fuel carriers. This MOU is the early stage of a very long process.
