SMRTR Science & EngineeringNov 6, 2025Interesting Engineering

China unveils thorium-powered nuclear cargo ship that can carry 14,000 containers

SMRTR summary

China revealed detailed specifications for its nuclear-powered cargo ship, which will use a groundbreaking thorium-based molten salt reactor producing 200 megawatts of thermal power to carry 14,000 containers. The thorium reactor converts thermal energy to 50 megawatts of electrical power with 45-50% efficiency, significantly outperforming conventional uranium reactors at 33% efficiency. This development follows China's successful operation of the world's first stable thorium reactor in 2025.

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