[imagesource:gencraftai]

Dubbed “the world’s largest nuclear-powered container ship design” by the Chinese media, the mother of all cargo ships was unveiled at the Marintec China 2023 show in Shanghai, in December.

The China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited stated that the new container ship is a “revolutionary accomplishment by the shipyard in the development of ships with nearly zero emissions”. 

Integral to the “nearly zero emissions” claim is their Molten Salt Reactors, which run at high temperatures and moderate pressures, which according to experts “reduces the possibility of a nuclear meltdown”.

According to the China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, “In the event of a breach accident, the reactor can be quickly stopped to prevent further escalation, highlighting the commitment to safety standards in the development of this ultra-large nuclear-powered container ship.” Sounds comforting.

The Jiangnan Shipyard has indicated they have been actively exploring alternative designs to current cargo ships in line with the world’s panicky approach to lessen dependency on fossil energy and the resulting emissions. According to them, the newly unveiled container ship may provide a genuine “zero-emissions” substitute.

Once constructed, it would be among the world’s largest ocean-going container ships, with a load capacity of up to 24,000 conventional containers – pause here for a moment, and try to visualise 24, 000 containers.

It will also be the world’s first nuclear reactor to be powered by molten salt.

A Chinese shipyard on Tuesday revealed the design of the world’s first and largest nuclear-powered 24,000 TEU container ship, Global Times reported. pic.twitter.com/eQIQJUXxJt

— People’s Daily, China (@PDChina) December 5, 2023

Unlike uranium-powered nuclear reactors on board warships, this new reactor is likely to use thorium, a radioactive element that is inexpensive and readily available in China. Furthermore, because less water is used to cool the reactor, its efficiency and safety are improved.

Earlier this year, it was announced that China’s nuclear safety administration gave operating permission to the country’s first thorium reactor, signalling an important step forward in the country’s pursuit of cutting-edge nuclear technologies.

China is not the only nation in the world to play around with new nuclear approaches to shipping. Similar designs have been developed by shipbuilders in Europe, South Korea, Japan, and the US. However, none has had any breakthroughs yet. China is growing its cargo fleet daily and in 2023 they were responsible for 60% of the world’s shipbuilding.

Moving cargo across the globe is changing, but thanks to our freight-forwarding friends at Berry & Donaldson we don’t have to wait for nuclear cargo ships. Whether by molten salt or rowboat, they always get it done.

[source:erasiantimes]