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Saltfoss Pursues US Approval for Floating SMRs with Samsung

Danish firm Saltfoss has begun the regulatory process in the US for its floating small modular reactor, collaborating with South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries.

FollowinTrend Desk Nov 6, 2026, 8:45 AM 2 min read AI-assisted

A large orange dredger barge floating on a calm lake with green grass in the foreground. — Photo: liu lei / Pexels Illustrative stock photo, not taken at the event.

Quick facts

Saltfoss submitted a letter of intent to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on November 3, 2026.
The seaMSR-100 reactor design targets 100MW of electric output per unit, with up to 600MW per floating platform.
Samsung Heavy Industries is slated to manufacture the platform, while final reactor integration will occur in the United States.

Why it matters

The project represents a shift toward international supply chain integration for advanced nuclear technology. By leveraging South Korea's established shipbuilding and nuclear manufacturing infrastructure, Saltfoss aims to achieve the economies of scale necessary for modular construction. Whether this model successfully navigates the rigorous NRC licensing process remains to be seen.

Danish nuclear technology firm Saltfoss Energy has initiated the regulatory process in the United States for its seaMSR-100 floating small modular reactor (SMR). As of November 6, 2026, the company has submitted a letter of intent to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to begin preliminary discussions regarding the deployment of these offshore power units.

Why it is trending now

The search interest follows the formal announcement by Saltfoss regarding its intent to utilize the NRC’s '10 CFR Part 53' framework. This is a newly established regulatory pathway designed specifically for advanced reactors that differ from traditional light-water designs. The company plans to submit a comprehensive consultation plan to regulators in the first quarter of 2027.

Key facts

Saltfoss aims to deploy floating barges capable of hosting up to six 100MW reactors, providing a total of 600MW of electricity, according to company reports.
The reactor operates at near-atmospheric pressure using molten salt, which remains liquid at high temperatures, as reported by Energy Safety News.
The project relies on a collaborative model where Samsung Heavy Industries builds the platform in South Korea, while reactor assembly and fuel loading take place in the US, according to Market Ink.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is currently conducting a technical qualification assessment for the safety of the floating structures.

Why this is trending in South Korea

This development is of significant interest in South Korea due to the central role of local industrial partners, including Samsung Heavy Industries and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute. Saltfoss has explicitly identified South Korea as a primary target for early commercialization outside of the United States, aligning with the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission's upcoming advanced reactor review system.

Background and context

The collaboration between Saltfoss and South Korean industry partners began in July 2022. The partnership expanded in April 2023 when Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power joined a three-way consortium to develop the technology. Additional research and feasibility studies involving GS Construction and domestic research institutes have been underway throughout 2024 to support the development of fuel production and materials testing.

What happens next

The project is currently in the preparation phase rather than the formal licensing stage. Saltfoss must still complete safety verification, environmental impact assessments, and site safety reviews before commercial operation can proceed. The company is expected to present its detailed consultation plan to the NRC in early 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What is the seaMSR-100?

The seaMSR-100 is a molten salt reactor designed by Saltfoss to be mounted on floating barges. Each unit is intended to generate 100MW of electricity.

What is the role of Samsung Heavy Industries?

Samsung Heavy Industries is responsible for manufacturing the ship-shaped floating platforms in South Korea, which will then be shipped to the United States for final assembly.

Is the project approved by the NRC?

No. Saltfoss has only submitted a letter of intent to begin preliminary discussions with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Formal licensing has not yet been granted.

Why is South Korea involved?

Saltfoss is utilizing South Korea's shipbuilding and nuclear supply chain for manufacturing. Additionally, South Korea is viewed by the company as a key market for the early deployment of this technology.