China has unveiled plans for the “world’s first” nuclear-powered container ship, the KUN-24AP, presented at the Marintec China 2023 exhibition.
The vessel, expected to be the largest container ship ever built with a load capacity of 24,000 standard containers, features a cutting-edge fourth-generation molten salt reactor powered by thorium. This departure from traditional uranium reactors enhances safety and efficiency, operating at elevated temperatures and low pressure, reducing the risk of meltdowns. While the military applications of the technology remain undisclosed, China’s advancements in nuclear-powered ships position it as a leader in maritime technology, with over 60 percent of global new ship orders this year.
The unveiling aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions in the maritime industry, marking a pioneering step toward sustainable shipping.