ECONOMIC COMPARISON OF NUCLEAR AND CONVENTIONAL CONTAINER SHIPS

Preliminary economic performance of a 10,000-ton-cargo high-speed container ship powered by an advanced maritime gas-cooled reactor is reported, and a comparison shown with a fossil-fueled vessel. Operating costs are determined for a short voyage and a long voyage. The nuclear-propulsion-cycle conditions are 1500 F helium outlet temperature and 1150 psia maximum pressure. Beryllia cladding, moderator, and reflector are specified, and the nuclear fuel cycle is the "out-in" reshuffling type. An economic summary provides nuclear or steam plant, propulsion system, and hull and outfit ship construction costs for both systems, as well as operating costs and cargo capacities for various voyage lengths and crew sizes.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C. under reference number GAMD-2078.
• Corporate Authors:

  General Dynamics

  Quincy, MA  United States  02169
• Authors:
  • Engholm, B A
  • Pearson, T B
• Publication Date: 1961-3-3

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: 27 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Containerships; Economic analysis; Economics; Nuclear power; Nuclear powered ships; Operating costs
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00026350
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: GAMD-2078
• Contract Numbers: AT(04-3)-187
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 14 1974 12:00AM