NS Savannah

NS Savannah is a nuclear-powered merchant vessel in Baltimore that has been preserved as a national landmark. The ship measures over 180 meters long and roughly 24 meters wide, with the reactor compartment placed centrally for balance and safety.

The ship was launched in the late fifties as part of a government program promoting civilian nuclear technology. It sailed commercial routes for over a decade, demonstrating new possibilities for propelling large ocean-going vessels.

The name honors an early American steamship and symbolizes the promise of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Visitors walk through passenger cabins with original furniture and a dining room that captures the optimism of that era.

The ship opens once a year to the public, usually on a Sunday in May near a national maritime holiday. Tours are offered at no charge, but space is limited and advance booking is recommended.

During active service the ship carried passengers and cargo across hundreds of thousands of nautical miles without refueling. Today the fuel rods have been removed, yet other reactor systems remain accessible for visitors to observe.

Location: Baltimore

Inception: January 1, 1959

Official opening: July 21, 1959

Capacity: 60

Length: 181.66 m

Width: 23.77 m

Website: https://ns-savannah.com

GPS coordinates: 39.25847,-76.55542

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:40