But yes, fuel-based powerplant, likely as part of a hybrid drive running electric motors powering propellers themselves.
Marine propulsion is already pretty optimised for efficiency (turn on engine, set to cruise power, maintain for 14 days, little acceleration, starts, stops, and/or hills), so a hybrid setup would work pretty effectively.
The far greater challenges are Q>1 and reliable fusion within a ship's structure.
But yes, fuel-based powerplant, likely as part of a hybrid drive running electric motors powering propellers themselves.
Marine propulsion is already pretty optimised for efficiency (turn on engine, set to cruise power, maintain for 14 days, little acceleration, starts, stops, and/or hills), so a hybrid setup would work pretty effectively.
The far greater challenges are Q>1 and reliable fusion within a ship's structure.