Nuclear Ship Savannah
The N.S. Savannah, the first nuclear-powered cargo/passenger ship, built by the New York Shipbuilding Corporation,
was launched on July 21, 1959 and commenced her maiden voyage at sea on Friday March 23, 1962. Before
embarking on a world tour, the ship called at the Port of Savannah on August 22, 1962. Named in honor of the S.S.
Savannah, the first steam-powered ship to cross the Atlantic, the N.S. Savannah was part of President Eisenhower's
"Atoms for Peace" initiative to demonstrate the technical feasibility of nuclear propulsion for merchant ships.
Carrying 9,400 tons of cargo, 60 passengers and 124 crew members, the N.S. Savannah was capable of cruising at
21 knots and traveling 336,000 miles on a single fuel load.
Marker is on International Drive, Hutchinson Island near Savannah River.
Courtesy hmdb.org
