publius on Nostr: In a word, simplicity. In any package-power situation, but especially in ship ...

In a word, simplicity. In any package-power situation, but especially in ship propulsion, you want the minimum of manpower and maintenance, the minimum of diferent parts and functions. Shipping would also prefer a minimum of risk, and PWR as the best-proven type would be ideal for them, except that it requires a lot of auxiliaries (water chemistry plant and so on), and steam plants of any kind require a lot of maintenance. Rod Adams, former US Navy, explains it better.