Recently, China presented a revolutionary project in the field of maritime technology: the KUN-24AP, considered the first. The world's nuclear-powered container shipR.
Revealed at the exhibition Marinetech China 2023 In Shanghai, the ship stands out for its gigantic cargo capacity, capable of carrying up to 24,000 standard containers, making it the largest of its kind.
The most innovative feature of the KUN-24AP is its propulsion system, which uses a fourth-generation molten salt reactor based on the radioactive metal thorium. This choice of thorium, which is abundant and cheap in China, is a departure from traditional uranium reactors. Thorium reactors operate at high temperatures and low pressures, which improves ship safety and efficiency, and reduces the risk of nuclear meltdowns because they do not require large amounts of water to cool them.
Although the technology's potential military applications have not been detailed, the introduction of a thorium reactor in China earlier in the year created speculation, particularly due to the secrecy surrounding the project. The reactor is part of China's broader effort to develop advanced nuclear technologies and is designed for a variety of applications, including offshore use.
The KUN-24AP design has already been certified internationally by the DNV classification society, reinforcing confidence in its global market potential. This development is particularly important in the context of growing concerns about climate change and energy security in the maritime industry. According to the proposed design, the vessel promises “zero emissions” during its operational cycle, marking a significant step towards sustainable maritime transport.
The image above is just for illustration, here is the design:
Is nuclear power disruptive? KUN-24AP design concept – discuss https://t.co/yTtOopQ8ce
— The Loadstar (@theloadstar) December 8, 2023
China is not the first country to explore nuclear-powered container ships, but its design surpasses previous efforts by other major shipbuilders, including Japan, the United States, South Korea and Europe. With more than 60% of new ship orders worldwide this year, China is advancing rapidly in shipbuilding and positioning itself as a leader in maritime technology.
The KUN-24AP's thorium-based molten salt reactor, China's own invention, introduces several innovations over previous nuclear-powered cargo ships such as the US's NS Savannah. This design includes a replaceable nuclear 'battery', addressing fuel cost and refueling challenges, although it presents its own challenges, including environmental impacts.
There has also been speculation that the KUN-24AP could serve as a test vessel for future nuclear-armed ships. However, the maintenance requirements of the thorium molten salt reactor pose challenges for military applications, raising questions about the feasibility of adapting the design for warships.
