Why nuclear power does not solve the ocean-liner problem

How useful could nuclear-powered transatlantic liners be as clean passenger transport?

Technically useful but commercially difficult, because port access, labor expense, and travel time leave aircraft superior for most passengers.

Nuclear propulsion could provide long endurance and low direct carbon emissions, but many ports are unwilling to accept nuclear-powered ships. A transatlantic liner also carries large labor and hotel-service costs while taking several days longer than an airliner. Unless it sustained roughly fifty knots, attracted major subsidy, or operated under policies that penalized flying, the ticket would struggle to compensate passengers for the extra time. The panel distinguishes this long-distance market from shorter routes where rail already competes well because stations are convenient and the journey avoids airport overhead.