China's nuclear-powered floating island aims to decarbonize global shipping with molten salt reactors

China State Shipbuilding Corporation subsidiary Jiangnan Shipyard unveiled a floating island concept at the Posidonia exhibition in Greece. The structure is designed as a container transfer terminal and charging station for ships, powered by advanced molten salt reactors. These reactors use liquefied salt as fuel and coolant, storing thermal energy without needing water. The project also includes solar panels, wind turbines, hydrogen production, and green fuel synthesis modules, aiming to create a zero-emission logistics ecosystem for ocean shipping. The floating island is part of China's broader push into nuclear-powered maritime technology. Jiangnan Shipyard is also developing a thorium-based molten salt reactor cargo ship with capacity for 25,000 containers. If realized, these projects could significantly cut emissions from global shipping, which currently relies heavily on heavy fuel oil. However, the timeline for deployment and regulatory hurdles remain unclear, and the article does not specify costs or construction schedules.