Q&A · 3:21:16-3:22:03

The best merchant ship for a nuclear-power demonstrator

A civilian nuclear-power question asks what ship type should follow the experimental legacy of NS Savannah.

Question

What civilian ship type would make the best proof of concept for renewed nuclear merchant propulsion?

Short answer

An ultra-large crude carrier or large gas carrier that spends most of its time underway and seldom enters port.

Notes

An ultra-large crude carrier is the preferred example because it could remain offshore, discharge its cargo, and continue along a regular route. A large gas carrier is suggested for similar reasons. Both examples favor a ship that spends much of its time moving and enters port infrequently. This operating pattern reduces the importance of finding frequent port calls that will accept a nuclear-powered merchant vessel.