World's first nuclear-powered container ship stirs debate. Chinese innovation or global concern?
The KUN-24AP was unveiled at the Marintec China 2023 exhibition in Shanghai. Jiangnan shipyard, credited with creating this container ship, has only released a solitary conceptual image of this venture. The particulars of the building continue to remain private. However, the unveiling has generated buzz among industry media. Some predict the inception of a new epoch for nuclear-powered ships, while others express apprehensions about implementing this novel technology.
First of its kind in the world
The ship's sheer size is notable. Per the creators' announcement, KUN-24AP will rank among the largest container ships globally and can transport up to 24,000 standard TEU containers. Currently, designs are twice as large, utilizing FEU containers so that this number would be proportionately reduced with TEU containers.
The ship will utilize an unconventional propulsion system, proposed to be powered by a thorium-nuclear reactor. This is quite an advancement since such a system has just been introduced to Chinese next-generation nuclear reactors.
Nuclear reactors have traditionally used uranium. The switch to a more contemporary propulsion system represents a significant shift. Thorium-powered nuclear reactors require less water for cooling and are considered safer to operate. Moreover, the plentiful availability of thorium is another factor to note.
Chinese project stirs debate
Developing a container ship powered by a modern reactor could herald a new generation of nuclear-powered vessels. The shipyard is touting this venture as a solution to escalating concerns about climate change and energy conservation in the shipping industry, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.
KUN-24AP is officially designated for commercial use. However, some experts are wary that this new technology might be redirected for military purposes. This possibility remains uncertain. Thorium-based reactors necessitate regular maintenance, making them impractical for military utilization of technology.
