Chinese engineers have begun developing an innovative container ship with a capacity of up to 14,000 TEU, equipped with an advanced propulsion system based on a 200 MW TMSR molten salt thorium reactor. This power level is comparable to the S6W reactors used on the US Navy’s Seawolf-class nuclear submarines.
The key feature of the new reactor is its use of thorium instead of uranium, making it safer, more environmentally friendly, and more affordable. The technology does not require water cooling, making the reactor compact, quiet, and highly protective, which is especially important for commercial shipping.
The concept for a vessel with a thorium reactor was first unveiled in 2023. Experts estimate that successful implementation of the project could be a game-changer for the global maritime industry, ushering in an era of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient nuclear fleets.