The launch of the NS Savannah on 21 July 1959 marked a defining moment in maritime history.  As the world's first nuclear-powered merchant ship, the NS Savannah demonstrated that civilian nuclear propulsion at sea could be operated safely. 

To mark this legacy, CORE POWER recently welcomed Bucky Owens, a former reactor operator on the NS Savannah. He met with our US team to share first-hand insights from one of the industry's most pioneering programs. 

During his visit, Bucky reflected on the rigorous training and operational culture that underpinned the program. Reactor operators completed intensive classroom and simulator training at Kings Point in New York and Nuclear Power School in South Carolina, before spending several months onboard the NS Savannah undertaking practical operator training. Qualification required extensive written, oral and operational examinations administered by the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). 

The discussion also explored how future maritime nuclear workforce development programs can build on the experience of the NS Savannah. Topics included operator training, qualifications, competency requirements, crew structures, labor union engagement and collaboration with port stakeholders. 

While it was not a requirement, most of the NS Savannah’s reactor operators had a maritime background. Bucky, for example, graduated from Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) before serving in the United States Coast Guard (USCG). 

Bucky's insights reinforced the importance of robust training, practical experience and strong collaboration between the maritime and nuclear sectors as the industry prepares for future nuclear-powered vessels and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). 

More than 60 years later, conversations like these are an important reminder that the future of maritime nuclear is being shaped not only by new technologies, but also by the experience of those who helped pioneer the industry. By learning from programs such as the NS Savannah, today's developers can build on decades of operational knowledge as maritime nuclear enters its next chapter. 

Learn more about CORE POWER’s mission here.