Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
Is there any reason why large cargo ships could not be nuclear powered? Most goods are shipped around the world in extremely large container ships these days.
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There are many reasons but first I must say that I agree with you. It probably is the best direction to use.
Reason #1: Security threats. Any country could be then admitted to nuclear status. Limiting shipping to nuclear countries is virtually impossible. The biggest shipping lines are not nuclear responsible.
#2: Another security issue. Two thirds of cargo ships around the world are nearing a derelict state. Replacing them costs 10 times more that they did. Repair is also expensive, owners don't care and continue their use until they sink.
#3: Decommissionning a nuclear ship would also be prohibitive.
#4: Any ship sinking would
absolutely have to be retrieved. Wherever it sinks. Think of a situation 4km down... Nautical accidents are more frequent than we wish to think.
#5: Public fear.
There probably are more reasons but I believe that if it nuclear shipping has not been done before it shouldn't be done
now.