NS Savannah

Launched in 1959, the NS Savannah was one of only four nuclear-powered cargo ships ever built and was named after the SS Savannah. She was built to demonstrate the peaceful uses of atomic power during the height of the Cold War and could carry both passengers and cargo. Her power plant consisted of a nuclear reactor that was designed to civilian standards with no connection to military programs.

The NS Savannah began her career in August of 1962 and served as a passenger-cargo liner until 1965, when passenger service was discontinued. Despite being converted to all-cargo use, her luxury yacht-like hull had limited cargo space and she cost a lot more to operate than a conventional oil-fired vessel. Interesting enough, she seemed to suffer the same fate as what happened with the original Savannah.

The NS Savannah was placed out of service in 1971 and her reactor was de-fueled in 1975, though it still remains within the ship. Today, she resides in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a designated National Historic Landmark.