Ever since the earthquake and tsunami crippled the nuclear plant in Fukushima, Japanese authorities have tried many methods, including helicopters and fire-trucks, to spray water and cool down the nuclear reactors. But no desirable effects have been achieved. So the authorities finally decided to use water pumps.

The ship carrying the water pump left Shanghai at 11 am on Tuesday.

The 62-meter arm enables the machine to pump water to a height of 23 floors. Its main job will be to cool down the overheating nuclear reactors.

It will also play a central role, should there be a need to bury radioactive material.

Two senior engineers and three technical consultants have been dispatched along with the machine to provide training.