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THE decommissioning process for the nuclear-powered merchant ship NS Savannah, the world's first of its kind, is well underway, as reported by the US Maritime Administration (MARAD), reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
Recently, MARAD, in collaboration with other entities, published a Notice of Availability and a Request for Information.
The dismantlement and removal of major systems, structures, and components from the ship's nuclear power plant have been completed.
MARAD has set a February 16, 2024, deadline for determining preservation interest from entities interested in acquiring the ship.
Funds for decommissioning the historic vessel were allocated in 2017, and with the process nearing completion, MARAD notes that the vessel's Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licence will be terminated.
Three to six months after the NRC license termination, the vessel is expected to be available for transfer to a qualified organisation.
The notice and request for proposals were published in the Federal Record on October 30, and on November 18, the first briefing for organisations was conducted.
Next month, MARAD plans to make the vessel available for inspection by interested organisations ahead of the proposal submission deadline.
Launched in 1959, the NS Savannah was designed as a demonstration ship and a key element of President Dwight Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace programme.
Despite initial opposition from the US Navy, she was commissioned in 1962.
After serving as a demonstration ship, hosting over 1.4 million visitors, the vessel was converted to all cargo in the late 1960s and began commercial operations.
She was laid up in 1970, having traveled over 450,000 nautical miles on 163 pounds of uranium.
Over the years, MARAD sought preservation solutions for the ship, and after executing a Programmatic Agreement in March 2023, MARAD submitted its Licence Termination Plan to the NRC on October 23, 2023.
While the Licence Termination Plan allows for options such as scrapping or reefing the vessel, MARAD is actively seeking viable preservation alternatives.
Organisations interested in acquiring the ship are invited to provide a mission statement, details of their experience with historic properties and ship maintenance, funding sources, and their proposed location for the ship.
MARAD is exploring different methods of conveyance, with the expectation of retaining title or a reversionary interest.
The agency is choosing to defer its obligation to scrap the Savannah to a future date and plans to deliver the ship in as-is condition, noting that certain improvements may help offset initial starting costs for potential recipients interested in preserving the vessel.
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