Jiangnan Shipyard is set to develop a groundbreaking nuclear-powered vessel, marking a first in commercial container shipping with zero emissions.
Jiangnan Shipyard is developing a 25,000-container nuclear-powered vessel in what would be the first use of nuclear propulsion for a commercial containership, reports Bangalore's MarineInsight.
The project will employ a fourth-generation thorium-based molten salt reactor with a 200-megawatt output and a 40-year operational span. While nuclear propulsion has been utilized in aircraft carriers and submarines, this marks its debut in container shipping.
Supporters argue that the vessel would deliver zero emissions, long range, no refueling, lower operating costs, and higher speeds. However, regulatory approval remains uncertain, and construction may not commence for another decade. Jiangnan is also planning specialized facilities for future nuclear shipbuilding.
The announcement comes as China's shipbuilding sector faces geopolitical and market pressures. In the first nine months of 2025, Chinese yards accounted for 65 percent of global orders by deadweight tonnage, down from 75 percent a year earlier. Fresh orders have slowed in recent months.
US President Trump has pledged to challenge China's dominance by reviving the US shipbuilding industry, including port infrastructure and new technologies. China State Shipbuilding Corp, Jiangnan's parent, is redirecting its focus to deep-sea drill ships, cruise ships, and nuclear-powered vessels, incorporating AI and new energy systems.
Other Chinese firms are also pursuing clean-energy shipping. Contemporary Amperex Technology, the world's largest electric vehicle battery maker, has announced plans to build its first battery-powered ship within three years.