Gas turbines are better suited for small ships like frigates, because the engines can be started and stopped more easily. You can't start a nuclear power plant

Gas turbines are better suited for small ships like frigates, because the engines can be started and stopped more easily. You can't start a nuclear power plant quickly. The reactor for the sub I was on was rarely shutdown and would remain hot during port calls in a standby state. Nuclear is really ideal for large ships that need a huge amount of energy to run, like carriers, ice breakers and someday cargo ships - the article that radiorental shared [http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28439159 http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-28439159] holds out hope for cargo ships. Chinese developers have plans for another canal through Nicaragua, because the ships they want to build won't fit through The Panama Canal. I'd bet the Chinese builders are considering the nuclear option.