Nuclear Power

Iran Developing Nuclear Subs

Iran has begun initial development of its own nuclear-powered submarines FARS news agency informs RiaNovosi the Iranian fleet's deputy commander Vice-Admiral Abbas Zamini said the Islamic Republic is already taking the first steps toward creating nuclear-powered boats. "Right now we are at the initial stages of creating nuclear submarines," he said. Use of atomic energy for submarine propulsion is not in contravention of any international agreements, he noted. The United States and many European states suspect Iran of using its domestic civil nuclear program as a cover for a nuclear weapons development program, a charge Tehran denies, insisting the program is only for generating electricity. The Iranian Navy currently operates three Russian-built Project 877 (Kilo class) diesel-electric submarines and a few very small domestically-made boats. Currently, only the navies of China, France, India, Russia, the United Kingdom and United States operate nuclear-powered submarines.    

Nuclear-powered Savannah to get Makeover

(Photo Credit: MarAd) Savannah, an old nuclear-powered ship that spent time in Charleston Harbor as a tourist attraction, is getting a face lift for a possible new tour of duty, according to a report on www.charleston.net. Savannah was the world's first nuclear-powered cargo and passenger vessel. It is set to be restored, possibly for its second stint as a floating museum, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration.

USCG Releases NPRM for Port Chicago Zone

The Coast Guard proposes to establish permanent security zones on the navigable waters of the Des Plaines River, the Kankakee River, the Rock River, and Lake Michigan in the Captain of the Port Zone Chicago. These security zones are necessary to protect the nuclear power plants, water intake cribs, and Navy Pier from possible sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents, or possible acts of terrorism. These zones are intended to restrict vessel traffic from portions of the Des Plaines River

This Day in Naval History – Feb. 4

1779 - John Paul Jones takes command of Bonhomme Richard 1959 - Keel laying of USS Enterprise, first nuclear powered aircraft carrier, Newport News, VA (Source: Navy News Service)

Russia Building Floating Nuclear Power Plant

In a couple of years, a new kind of vessel will appear on the sea - the floating nuclear power plant (FNPP). The Academician Lomonosov, currently under construction in , is only one project of the several FNPP being developed. The formal keel laying ceremony took place in April 2007 at the Sevmash shipyard of the Russian State Centre for Nuclear Shipbuilding in . After about a year and a half, the state-owned corporation Rosatom revoked the general contract

USCG Statement Regarding Transit Near Fukushima, Japan

In response to the situation at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, the U.S. Coast Guard recommends, as a precaution, that vessels avoid transiting within 50 miles (43 nautical miles/80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (37°N, 141°01'E).  Mariners are advised that this recommendation should be considered a minimum distance.  Prudent route planning should incorporate prevailing and changing wind and weather conditions

Lloyd's Register Acquires India's Reltech Consulting

Lloyd’s Register has acquired the business and principal assets of the Mumbai-based nuclear risk specialists, Reltech Consulting (Reltech), in a move designed to further strengthen its historic presence in the Indian energy sector.   The business and assets of Reltech, which provides safety-management services to a multinational civil nuclear client base, have been transferred to the newly formed LR Scandpower Risk Consultancy Pvt. Ltd

GD Wins $100m for Virginia-class Submarine Work

General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $100.4 million contract modification by the U.S. Navy to provide lead-yard services for Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). Under the contract, Electric Boat will develop, maintain and update design drawings and data, including technology insertions, for each Virginia-class submarine throughout its construction and post-shakedown availability periods.

Japan Asks for More LNG, Oil from Indonesia

According to a report from Reuters, Japan has asked Indonesia to supply more liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil after the devastating earthquake which crippled several nuclear power plants.   (Source: Reuters)

This Day in U.S. Naval History – December 2

1775 - Congress orders first officers commissions printed. 1908 - Rear Admiral William S. Cowles submits report, prepared by LT George C. Sweet, recommending purchase of aircraft suitable for operating from naval ships on scouting and observation mission to Secretary of the Navy. 1941 - First Naval Armed Guard detachment (7 men under a coxswain) of World War II reports to Liberty ship, SS Dunboyne, 1944 - Two-day destroyer Battle of Ormoc Bay begins.