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China's new project can be considered by many a revolution in the shipbuilding sector
The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) has shaken up the naval scene by unveiling audacious plans to build what could become the world's largest nuclear-powered container ship. This one anúncio took place on Tuesday, 5th, during the prestigious Marintec China exhibition in Shanghai, revealing a 24.000 TEU class vessel powered by a fourth generation molten salt reactor, according to the gCaptain website.
The CSSC, in a post on Weibo, said the colossal nuclear container ship was meticulously designed to achieve “zero emissions” throughout the operational cycle. This initiative reflects the shipping industry's growing commitment to more sustainable practices in line with international emissions reduction targets.
Classification society DNV was present at the launch ceremony to issue an “approval in principle” to the CSSC Jiangnan Shipbuilding yard, signaling a significant step forward in the acceptance and viability of China’s visionary naval project.
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Molten salt reactors: innovation in nuclear propulsion in shipbuilding
The heart of this Chinese naval giant will be a molten salt reactor (MSR), an innovative technology that offers greater safety and efficiency in electricity production. According to CSSC, the reactor operates at high temperature and low pressure, minimizing the risks of core meltdown and integrating anti-proliferation features.
China-built molten salt reactors (MSRs) are an advanced form of modular nuclear reactors, utilizing a liquid mixture of salts as fuel and coolant. This approach allows for a more precise control of the nuclear reaction, resulting in greater safety and potential for fuel optimization.
Challenges and prospects for marine nuclear propulsion
Despite decades of success in applying nuclear power to naval and government vessels, commercial use still faces significant challenges. A recent ABS study suggested that nuclear propulsion on vessels commercial vehicles can offer substantial benefits, from increasing cargo capacity to eliminating CO2 emissions and the need for refueling over 25 years.
Christopher Wiernicki, president and CEO of ABS, highlighted that nuclear propulsion is a fundamental piece in achieving a world with net zero emissions. However, it highlights that there are critical issues to be addressed, and the shipping industry must evaluate these technologies with a focus on safety.
This advance by China opens new horizons and challenges the shipping industry to rethink the future, exploring nuclear energy as a path to more sustainable and efficient navigation. This pioneering project is expected to be the catalyst for significant changes in the way commercial ships are powered, positively impacting the environment and meeting global environmental requirements. The future of nuclear navigation may be closer than we ever imagined.
