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China innovates in the naval sector with the KUN-24AP, a pioneering ship powered by thorium-based nuclear energy.
China announced a milestone in maritime history: the world's first nuclear-powered ship, dedicated to container transport. Named KUN-24AP, this revolutionary ship was presented by Jiangnan Shipyard at Marinetec China 2023 Exhibition.
New Thorium-Powered Nuclear Ship Could Carry 24 Containers
At the event, China's creators presented some perspectives on the development of the nuclear-powered ship, mainly in relation to what would really make this nuclear ship special, as the technical details had not been disclosed until then.
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Something that could be a Essential clue is in your name, with the possibility of being a vessel capable of transporting up to 24 thousand traditional containers. According to its developers, China's nuclear-powered ship will feature a state-of-the-art molten salt reactor propulsion system, which uses thorium as fuel. Thorium is a radioactive element that is much more naturally abundant than uranium and is much cheaper to use.
This choice of fuel in the nuclear ship is significant, as it offers a mode of operation at higher temperatures and lower pressures. This helps avoid the need for large amounts of water for cooling, which is a huge benefit in safety and efficiency.
According to China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the thorium-powered nuclear ship was meticulously developed to achieve zero emissions throughout the entire operating cycle. This initiative demonstrates the shipping industry's growing commitment to more sustainable practices in line with international emissions reduction targets.
China already has great knowledge with the use of Thorium
Even before this nuclear-powered ship, China already had a long history with thorium technology, actively developing reactors based on this material. When presenting the plans with the nuclear container ship, the shipyard stated that the interest is entirely in the environmental issue and in the most sustainable option for the marine industry.
In the case of China, nuclear technology never fails to raise questions in the West about possible military applications. However, the nature of thorium-based molten salt reactors, which require more frequent maintenance, suggests that their use may be impractical for many military objectives.
It is worth noting that the classification society DNV was present at the launch ceremony to issue an approval in principle to the CSSC Jiangnan shipyard, showing a significant advance in the acceptance and viability of this nuclear ship.
A recent ABS study suggested that nuclear propulsion on commercial vessels could offer substantial benefits, from increasing cargo capacity to eliminating CO2 emissions and the need for refueling over more than two decades. According to the president and CEO of ABS, Christopher Wiernicki, the Nuclear propulsion is an essential piece of achieving a net-zero emissions world, but there are critical issues that must still be addressed.
Brazil also makes advances with nuclear propulsion
In October, the Brazilian Navy began construction of the Conventionally Armed Submarine with Nuclear Propulsion (SCPN). The emblematic Cutting of the First Plate ceremony took place at the Itaguaí Naval Complex, strengthening a historic moment for the country's naval evolution.
The SCPN is the pillar of the Submarine Development Program and represents one of the most ambitious strategic initiatives of the Brazilian Navy.
The program not only enables the country to develop and build advanced submarines, however, it also promotes the transfer of technology, the nationalization of equipment and the training of personnel.
