THE MARITIME NUCLEAR PROPULSION PROGRAM

An analysis of the N.S. Savannah experience and accomplishments is made in relation to a program to promote rapid utilization of nuclear reactors in merchant ships. From the technical experience of the N.S. Savannah and the associated advanced reactor development effort have been derived compact reactor systems which are believed suitable for widespread use in the field. From the ship's legal and regulatory experience, new regulations, procedures, standards, agreements, and accepted practices now form a framework which will permit routine commercial use of nuclear merchant ships in domestic and foreign ports. Also from the N.S. Savannah's experience has come trained personnel for safe nuclear ship operation and the first commerical marine nuclear servicing facilities and staff available to private shipping customers. Finally, it is concluded that maritime nuclear propulsion can provide economically competitive ship systems and can achieve superiority over conventional propulsion in a number of shipping applications.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This document is available for review at the Department of Commerce Library, Main Commerce Building, Washington, D.C., under reference number A-8-M.
• Corporate Authors:

  Atomic Energy Commission

  Department of Commerce
  Washington, DC  United States  20235

  Maritime Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Robb, J E
• Publication Date: 1963-11-18

Media Info

• Pagination: 22 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economics; Nuclear power; Nuclear powered ships
• Subject Areas: Design; Economics; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00026601
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Administration
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Feb 6 1973 12:00AM