Mutsu (ship)

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Mutsu is a nuclear-powered merchant ship constructed in Japan. It was the fourth such vessel ever constructed. Commissioning had been planned for 1972 but serious problems with the reactor's radiation shield caused the postponement for safety reasons. After lengthy repairs the ship had a few short voyages. It was plagued by technical problems so the official commissioning did not take place. Japanese fishermen engaged in massive demonstrations to protest against the ship. In 1990 it was announced that Mutsu's nuclear powered engine tests had been a success. From 1990 to 1992 she undertook four research voyages. Although there were positive results the viability of the whole project was in question so in 1995 the reactor was removed and nuclear decontamination commenced. The Mutsu was decommissioned never having carried any commercial cargo.

Specifications:

Launched: June 12, 1964
Delivered from construction yard: 1970
Commissioned: 1990
Length: 426.5 ft (130 m)
Beam: 62 ft (19 m)
Draft: 23 ft (7 m)
Displacement: 8,242 tons
Speed: 16.5 knots (31 km/h)
Propulsion: steam turbine 10,000 hp (7.5 MW)

[edit] See also

List of civilian nuclear ships

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