Historical Marker Dedication

August 22, 2012

Nuclear Ship Savannah

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Savannah International Trade and Convention Center

One International Drive, Hutchinson Island

Savannah, Ga.

5 p.m.

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.