China is developing the world’s largest nuclear-powered cargo ship, a 14,000-container vessel propelled by a groundbreaking thorium-based molten salt reactor (TMSR). As disclosed by senior engineer Hu Keyi of Jiangnan Shipbuilding Group, the reactor’s 200MW thermal output will power a supercritical carbon dioxide generator. This highly efficient system converts 45-50% of the heat into 50MW of electrical power, enabling years of operation without refueling.

The design emphasises inherent safety. Using abundant thorium instead of uranium, the reactor operates at atmospheric pressure, eliminating explosion risks. Its passive safety features include a strong negative temperature coefficient to prevent meltdowns. In an emergency, the molten fuel safely drains into a containment chamber to solidify. The entire reactor is a sealed, replaceable 10-year module, minimizing on-site refueling risks.

This project is a key part of China’s advanced nuclear strategy, fueled by its vast thorium reserves. The initiative follows the successful long-term operation of an experimental thorium reactor in the Gobi Desert and a recent breakthrough proving the feasibility of converting thorium into nuclear fuel within a TMSR, marking a significant milestone for next-generation energy.