The Chinese government is planning to build the country 's first nuclear - powered icebreaker . The government - backed fin National Nuclear corporation has invited bids from shipbuilders for the contract to build the vessel , which would be used to fund the country 's scientific exploration of the Arctic . China currently has a small number of conventionally - powered icebreakers , including one large 21,000 ton vessel , and another under construction . The nuclear reactor that would power the new vessel could also be adapted for use by a future aircraft carrier .
The Chinese government is planning to build the country's first nuclear-powered icebreaker. The government-backed China National Nuclear Corporation has invited bids from shipbuilders for the contract to build the vessel, which would be used to advance the country's scientific exploration of the Arctic. China currently has a small number of conventionally-powered icebreakers, including one large 21,000 ton ship, and another under construction. The nuclear reactor that would power the new vessel could also be adapted for use by a future aircraft carrier.