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 would employ a fourth-generation thorium-based molten salt reactor with a 200-megawatt output and a 40-year operational span. Nuclear propulsion has been used in aircraft carriers and submarines but never in container shipping.

Supporters say the vessel would deliver zero emissions, long range, no refuelling, lower operating costs and higher speeds. However, regulatory approval remains uncertain and construction may not begin for a decade. Jiangnan is also planning specialised 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 per cent of global orders by deadweight tonnage, down from 75 per cent 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 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, said it plans to build its first battery-powered ship within three years.