PROSPECTS FOR THE NUCLEAR PROPULSION OF MERCHANT SHIPS

The feasibility of nuclear ship propulsion was first demonstrated in military form some 18 years ago, and the possible application of nuclear propulsion systems to merchant ships began to be considered seriously from that date. This paper is intended only as a survey of the topic. It is not intended to go into detail regarding further economic evaluations or regarding the technology of nuclear propulsion systems, although the author touches on these and other considerations having some influence on their applications, such as the legal and insurance aspects, accidents and safety, and the work of other countries. The author considers briefly certain trends and forecasts which might give a reasonable overall appreciation of the developing situation. Reasons are discussed for application of nuclear systems to merchant vessels as opposed to conventional propulsion systems.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Presented at the Institution's 8th Blackadder Lecture, 1974.
• Corporate Authors:

  North East Coast Inst of Engineers & Shipbuilders

  Bolbec Hall, Westgate Road
  Newcastle upon Tyne,   England 
• Authors:
  • Edwards, J
• Publication Date: 1974-2-18

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 14 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economics; Legal constraints; Nuclear power; Nuclear powered ships; Nuclear reactors; Safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Nuclear reactor safety
• Subject Areas: Economics; Marine Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00054090
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: North East Coast Inst of Engineers & Shipbuilders
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1974 12:00AM