Nuclear vessels are ships that are powered by nuclear reactors, to generate heat, which produces steam to power the ship's turbines.
Nuclear reactors in ships are usually smaller and require a higher grade of nuclear fuel for efficient reactions.
Nuclear vessels are more efficient and have larger speeds than conventional ships, as well as being able to power through frozen waters.
The first nuclear vessel was the USS Nautilus, a submarine commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954.
The use of nuclear vessels can have environmental benefits due to lower emissions compared to vessels powered by fossil fuels.
Countries, such as the United States, France, Russia, and China, have nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in their naval fleets.
Nuclear vessels can operate for long periods of time without refueling, which can be an advantage for military vessels and research vessels.
With time, it is expected that the number of nuclear vessels will increase exponentially.