Jiangnan Shipyard’s Nuclear-Powered Container Ship: Igniting a Sea Change?

The Chinese shipbuilding company Jiangnan Shipyard, based in Shanghai, has announced plans to create the world’s first civilian container ship with a nuclear power plant. This information was shared by the company’s Vice President, Lin Qinshan. According to him, the shipyard is already designing a gigantic vessel with a capacity of 25,000 containers, with construction possibly starting after 2035.

Despite nuclear engines being long used on military submarines and aircraft carriers, their application in civilian freight transport will be an unprecedented step. The use of nuclear energy promises to radically change maritime logistics. Among the key advantages are high cruising speed, virtually unlimited range without refueling, and zero carbon emissions. The development of the container ship fits into the strategy of the parent company China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) to shift towards high-tech shipbuilding. The portfolio of promising directions also includes ships for deep-sea drilling and next-generation cruise liners.

This direction has been selected against a backdrop of deteriorating market conditions: according to industry data, shipbuilding orders in China decreased by 61% in the third quarter of 2025. At the same time, Jiangnan Shipyard acknowledges that the project faces significant challenges. Currently, there is no clear regulatory framework for the operation of commercial ships with nuclear installations, nor has it been determined which government bodies can issue permits for the use of such technologies in civilian shipping.

Recent advancements in thorium reactor safety make them particularly appealing for maritime use, providing operational cost efficiency and enhanced safety features compared to traditional uranium-based reactors. CSSC’s strategy aligns with its goals to remain a global leader by leveraging advanced technologies to reduce carbon footprints, responding to international calls for greener shipping solutions. However, the project must overcome international regulatory hurdles as no existing framework fully addresses nuclear-powered civilian vessels, necessitating new agreements and standards.