Characteristics and performance of nuclear-powered submarine cargo vessel 1

Abstract

There has been much public interest recently in the possibility of the underwater carriage of cargo but, although submarine cargo vessels are now technically feasible with the use of nuclear power, they are not likely to be used commercially for normal trades unless they can show an economic advantage. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the likely characteristics and performance of a submarine tanker and to compare it with a surface tanker of the same deadweight, both vessels being propelled by nuclear power.

At normal speeds the optimum submarine form would have a slightly lower resistance than the surface vessel but the margin is such that the saving in annual fuel bill is most unlikely to offset the additional cost of a submarine and the operational difficulties attendant on its use.

Operation at higher speeds may become economic if nuclear fuel and machinery costs are reduced to low values, but only when the surface vessels have reached the limit of development for high speed operation is the possibility of submarine cargo vessels likely to be given serious consideration.