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Atomic Insights

Atomic energy technology, politics, and perceptions from a nuclear energy insider who served as a US nuclear submarine engineer officer

The Atomic Show #053 – Commercial Nuclear Ships

March 29, 2007 By Rod Adams

Shane and I discuss commercial nuclear ship history and future opportunities

Commercial nuclear powered ships were tried in the 1960s and 1970s with little follow on units. The United States built the NS Savannah, Germany built the Otto Hahn, and Japan built the Mutsu. None of these remain in operation today and all demonstrated various levels of success.

The only non military surface ships current operating with nuclear power are Russian icebreakers which benefit by the high power capacity and long endurance provided by their power systems.

Shane and I carried on a lively (at least in geek terms) discussion about various aspects of nuclear ship history and the future potential for the technology. Hope you enjoy!

Promised links:

  • National Historic Landmark Nomination for NS Savannah
  • Why did the Savannah fail?
  • US Maritime Administration Status report on NS Savannah decontamination and decommissioning

Related Posts

  • SUNY Maritime Student Advocates Commercial Nuclear Ship Propulsion
  • What happened to the NS Savannah?
http://s3.amazonaws.com/AtomicShowFiles/tpn_atomic_20070328_053.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:29 — 17.0MB)

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Filed Under: Atomic history, Atomic ships, Podcast

About Rod Adams

Managing member at Nucleation Capital, LP.
Atomic energy expert with small nuclear plant operating and design experience. Financial, strategic, and political analyst. Former submarine Engineer Officer. Founder, Adams Atomic Engines, Inc. Host and producer, The Atomic Show Podcast. Resume available here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Roger Goodwin says

    April 22, 2007 at 7:47 PM

    Why did the Savannah Fail? Her 163 pounds of fuel was equivelant to 29 millon gallons of Bunker C, what do you think the Oil Companies want to sell. Don’t look for any alternate power, util the Oil Giants, make profit on all there is.

  2. Kirk Sorensen says

    May 3, 2007 at 5:04 AM

    I really enjoyed this one–thanks Rod and Shane!

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