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
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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.
I really enjoyed this one–thanks Rod and Shane!