Fig. 6-1 "MUTSU" on the experimental voyage First japanese nuclear ship "MUTSU" has been launched in 1969. After overcoming various difficulties, four successful experimental voyages in 1991 have proved its reliable capability under severe ocean circumstances.

Main Specifications

item description objective nuclear propulsion test ship cruise area open sea full length 130.00 m width 19.00 m depth 13.20 m full draught 6.00 m gross tonnage 8,242 tons bulkhead structure designed to withstand stranding, collision, and submersion reactor type, number thermal output fuel pressurized light-water appr. 36,000 kW uranium oxide (low enrichment) main engine type, number power steam turbine, one 10,000 SHP (shaft horse power) ship's speed 16.5 knots

It is important for Japan as a worldwide trading country to assure constant energy sources for its ships. The application of nuclear energy to generate electricity is still growing. In the future, nuclear energy may also be used widely for ocean transportation, both to replace fuel oil and to allow sustained high-speed or under-sea voyages. Nuclear energy may contribute to advanced-level sea transportation and the development and ulitization of the oceans. By its four successful experimental voyages in 1991, the first japanese nuclear ship "MUTSU" has obtained much knowledge and valuable data related to the design, fabrication, and operation of a nuclear ship. Decommissioning work began in September 1992. Using immediate total dismounting technology, the reactor compartment has been removed from the ship and transferred to the storage facility at the vessel's mother port of Sekine-hama. This was completed in June 1995.

Reference T. Ishida et al., Response to Severe Changes of Load on the Reactor System of Nuclear Ship Mutsu, J. Nucl. Sci. Technol., 30 (2), 116 (1993).

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