The maritime industry is an important pillar of the global economy and one of the industries responsible for large carbon emissions. To meet the challenge of climate change, the maritime industry needs to find cleaner and more efficient power**. Nuclear energy may be an ideal option.
Recently, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) showcased the design of the world's largest nuclear-powered container ship at the China International Maritime Technology Exhibition in Shanghai.
The vessel, called KUN-24AP, capable of carrying 24,000 TEUs, uses a molten salt reactor (MSR) as a power source. Using liquid salt as fuel and coolant, the reactor is safer and more efficient, enabling "zero-emission" operation of the vessel.
A molten salt reactor is a small, modular nuclear reactor that uses a mixture of liquid salts as fuel and coolant. Fuel dissolved in salt allows for better control and increased efficiency of nuclear reactions, resulting in increased safety and fuel utilization. Molten salt reactors also have the advantages of preventing core melting, resistance to nuclear proliferation, and inherent safety.
CSSC said on Weibo that this type of ship has extremely high safety, the reactor works under high temperature and low pressure conditions, in principle, it can prevent the core from melting, and has the characteristics of anti-nuclear proliferation and inherent safety. In addition, this type of ship also has the advantages of high efficiency and energy saving, low cost and environmental protection, which can effectively reduce the carbon emissions of ships and meet the emission reduction goals of the international shipping industry.
According to reports, the International Classification Society DNV also attended the launch ceremony and issued a preliminary certification to Jiangnan Shipyard, a subsidiary of CSSC. DNV's chairman and CEO said that nuclear power is the key to achieving a net-zero emissions future, and advanced or small modular reactors, such as molten salt reactors, can solve many of the challenges faced by nuclear energy in commercial shipping, including improving safety and efficiency, reducing costs and waste, and controlling nuclear proliferation. He also said that DNV will work with industry and ** to provide support and guidance for the development of nuclear-powered ships.
It is reported that the design scheme of the nuclear-powered container ship is still in the preliminary stage, and the specific time and place of construction have not yet been determined. However, this project undoubtedly demonstrates China's ambition and strength in the field of nuclear-powered ships, and also provides new possibilities for the low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry.