The Maritime Administration (MARAD) launched an initiative in May to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) for use in commercial shipping. As a first step, the agency issued a Request for Information, calling on innovators and industry stakeholders to help develop an SMR model that “revitalises US shipbuilding, cuts costs, and secures energy dominance”. The Maritime Administration – whose mission is to foster, promote and develop the USA’s maritime industry to meet the country’s economic and security needs – noted the SMR initiative advances President Donald Trump’s Executive Orders on Unleashing American Energy and Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.
The signing of the memorandum of cooperation on 22 July makes Long Beach – one of the busiest container ports in the USA – the first US seaport to formalise a partnership with the Maritime Administration to establish nuclear-powered vessels for commercial service.
Under the agreement, the Port of Long Beach and the Maritime Administration will collaborate with the US Coast Guard, the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to help define the operational protocols, safety standards and inspection processes needed to support the safe arrival and servicing of SMR-powered vessels at US ports, as well as to develop and share other best practices. The agreement is non-binding and does not commit either party to funding, procurement decisions or the adoption of any specific technology.
“This first-of-its-kind partnership with MARAD allows us to leverage strong federal leadership and private sector innovation to catalyse SMR technology as we safely and securely support the next generation of shipping,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba. “We’re building the Port of the Future in Long Beach, where we’ve led in global trade by moving USD300 billion in cargo annually to support 2.7 million American jobs, and we will continue our tradition of leadership as we partner to advance nuclear energy in maritime and beyond.”
“Under President Trump’s and Secretary Duffy’s leadership, MARAD is taking decisive action to revitalise US shipbuilding and secure our national energy dominance,” said Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel. “This milestone agreement with the Port of Long Beach brings cutting-edge small modular reactor technology into active testing. It ensures our maritime supply chains stay operational under any contingency while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”
SMR company establishes headquarters inside port
The Port of Long Beach said the agreement with the Maritime Administration complements its new lease agreement with BlueCore Energy, a developer of small modular, water-cooled reactors designed to operate aboard floating barges and deliver power directly to ports, critical infrastructure, and cargo ship propulsion.
The lease with BlueCore Energy – which emerged from stealth on 21 July – allows the company to assemble, test and store maritime power modules. The company has already secured and delivered its first barge and electric test reactor to its headquarters at the Port of Long Beach and is developing and testing components of its system as it advances its engineering, regulatory, classification, and commercialisation pathways.
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(Image: BlueCore Energy)
BlueCore Energy’s initial 10 MWe system is being developed to power the equivalent of about 15,000 homes or scale to meet the power needs of a major port. Designed to be fuelled once for years of operation, the reactor can be paired together for scale to provide a new power source for ports, utilities, data centres, offshore infrastructure, and communities facing energy constraints.
“The world is entering a new era of energy demand,” said BlueCore Energy founder and CEO Kofi Asante. “Ports, industry, data centres, and critical infrastructure need more reliable power than ever before. We founded BlueCore Energy because we believe there is a better way to deliver it – one that builds on established nuclear engineering principles and brings energy directly to where it is needed.”
Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba added: “Guided by our new 2050 vision, the Port of Long Beach is preparing for a future defined by electrification, growing energy demand and the transition to zero-emissions operations, which will require hundreds of megawatts of energy. Meeting that future will require new technologies and approaches to energy sources. We are excited to welcome BlueCore Energy to the Port of Long Beach and its commitment to developing zero-emissions energy SMR solutions alongside the maritime community.”
