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China Innovates In The Naval Sector With The KUN-24AP, A Pioneering Thorium-Based Nuclear-Powered Ship.
China has announced a milestone in maritime history: the world’s first nuclear-powered ship, dedicated to container transportation. Named KUN-24AP, this revolutionary ship was presented by the Jiangnan Shipyard at the Marintec China 2023 Exhibition.
New Thorium-Powered Nuclear Ship Can Carry 24,000 Containers
At the event, China’s visionaries presented some insights into the development of the nuclear-powered ship, mainly regarding what would truly make this nuclear ship special, as the technical details had not been disclosed until then.
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Something that may be an essential clue lies in its name, with the possibility of being a vessel capable of carrying up to 24,000 traditional containers. According to its developers, the Chinese nuclear-powered ship will feature a state-of-the-art propulsion system with a molten salt reactor that uses thorium as fuel. Thorium is a radioactive element far more abundant naturally than uranium and is much cheaper to use.
This choice of fuel for the nuclear ship is significant, as it allows for operation at higher temperatures and lower pressures. This helps to avoid the need for large amounts of water for cooling, providing a major benefit in safety and efficiency.
According to the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), the thorium-powered nuclear ship has been meticulously developed to achieve zero emissions throughout its operational cycle. This initiative demonstrates the growing commitment of the maritime industry to more sustainable practices aligned with international emission reduction goals.
China Already Has Great Knowledge With Thorium Use
Even before this nuclear-powered ship, China had a long history with thorium technology, actively developing reactors based on this material. When presenting the plans for the nuclear container ship, the shipyard stated that the focus is entirely on environmental concerns and the more sustainable option for the naval industry.
When it comes to China, nuclear technology does raise questions from the West about possible military applications. However, the nature of molten salt reactors based on thorium, which require more frequent maintenance, suggests that their use may be impractical for various military objectives.
It is worth noting that the classification society DNV was present at the launch ceremony to issue a principle approval to the CSSC Jiangnan shipyard, showing a significant advancement in the acceptance and viability of this nuclear ship.
A recent study by ABS suggested that nuclear propulsion in commercial vessels could provide substantial benefits, from increased cargo capacity to the elimination of CO2 emissions and the need for refueling over more than two decades. According to ABS President and CEO Christopher Wiernicki, nuclear propulsion is a key piece to achieving a net zero emissions world, but there are critical issues that still need to be addressed.
Brazil Also Makes Advances With Nuclear Propulsion
In October, the Brazilian Navy began the construction of the Conventional Submarine Armed With Nuclear Propulsion (SCPN). The emblematic First Plate Cutting ceremony took place at the Naval Complex of Itaguaí, marking a historical moment for the country’s naval evolution.
The SCPN is the cornerstone of the Submarine Development Program and represents one of the Brazilian Navy’s most ambitious strategic initiatives.
The program not only empowers the country to develop and build advanced submarines, but also promotes technology transfer, the nationalization of equipment, and personnel training.
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