As per the industry reports, a Chinese shipyard has revealed plans for an innovative giant container ship, potentially providing a genuine "zero-emissions" alternative. The proposed vessel, one of the largest ocean-going container ships ever conceived with a load capacity beginning at 24,000 standard containers, is set to be powered by a molten-salt nuclear reactor. While, traditional uranium-powered reactors on warships, this new design is expected to employ thorium, a plentiful and cost-effective radioactive metal available in China.

The proposed reactor boasts a safety and efficiency advantage by not requiring substantial water for cooling. However, the technology is intricate, and despite decades of efforts, most countries, including the United States, have abandoned attempts to develop it. The U.S. explored the potential use of this technology to power a long-range bomber but ultimately discontinued its pursuit.

China has built a special kind of reactor in the desert. These reactors can go almost anywhere, even on ships. They are small and can be used for different things. The details are not shared, maybe because it could be used for military purposes.  Shanghai-based Jiangnan Shipyard revealed the design for the new container ship, named KUN-24AP, at the Marintec China exhibition in the city. This unveiling indicates China's significant confidence in the technology and its readiness to showcase and promote it globally.

The international shipping body, DNV Classification Society, has granted international certification to the KUN-24AP design, enhancing confidence for global buyers. Responding to climate change and energy conservation needs, Jiangnan Shipbuilding has explored container ship models and power systems solutions.

The proposed design features a fourth-generation molten salt reactor, utilizing nuclear energy as a clean source. While China is not the first to propose such a concept, shipbuilders worldwide, including Japan, the United States, South Korea, and Europe, have presented similar designs.

While other countries have proposed similar ship models, they tend to be smaller, and none of them currently possesses a modern, operational reactor to bring the design to fruition. China's shipbuilding industry is experiencing rapid growth and secured over 60% of global orders for new ships this year.

Industry analysts have noted a focus on technically demanding projects like liquefied natural gas carriers. The progress in civil shipbuilding has also played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of China's navy, incorporating advanced technologies like ultra-long-range radar and electromagnetic launch systems.

Image source: The Maritime Executive