The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Port of Long Beach have launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bringing nuclear energy into the maritime sector. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Cooperation, the two organizations will work together to advance the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology for commercial ships and port operations.
The agreement represents the first partnership of its kind in the United States and is designed to combine federal leadership with private-sector innovation to accelerate the adoption of advanced nuclear technology in maritime logistics.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Noel Hacegaba said the collaboration reinforces the port’s commitment to shaping the future of global shipping.
He noted that the Port of Long Beach already handles approximately $300 billion worth of cargo every year, supporting around 2.7 million American jobs, and said the project reflects the port’s long-standing focus on innovation and leadership in international trade.
As part of the initiative, the port also announced that it has signed a lease agreement with BlueCore Energy Inc., a company based on port property that is developing barge-mounted small modular reactor technology.
The announcement follows MARAD’s Request for Information issued in May, seeking proposals and industry input on U.S.-built commercial SMR technology for the nation’s marine transportation system.
MARAD Administrator Stephen Carmel described the agreement as an important milestone that moves small modular reactor technology from concept to active testing. He said the initiative is intended to strengthen the resilience of U.S. maritime supply chains under a wide range of scenarios while also helping prepare the next generation of highly skilled American mariners.
The project reflects the broader transformation currently underway in maritime energy. Shipping companies are increasingly exploring alternatives to conventional bunker fuel, including dual-fuel engines powered by liquefied natural gas, ammonia and other emerging technologies. Nuclear propulsion could become another option as the industry works toward more resilient and efficient operations.
If the program proves successful, it could eventually lead to the first U.S. nuclear-powered commercial merchant vessel since the launch of the S.S. Savannah in 1959. Today, Russia remains the only country operating a commercial nuclear-powered cargo vessel, the Sevmorput, alongside a fleet of civilian nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Frank Colonna, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, said the partnership positions the port to help develop future energy solutions for cargo transportation while strengthening its role as the leading gateway for trans-Pacific trade. He added that the initiative builds on the port’s long history of testing and demonstrating innovative technologies.
The timing of the project is significant as the Port of Long Beach, together with the neighboring Port of Los Angeles, expects container volumes to double by 2050.
Under the agreement, MARAD and the Port of Long Beach will work alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish operational procedures, safety standards and inspection protocols required to safely accommodate SMR-powered vessels at U.S. ports. The partners will also share best practices to support future deployment. The memorandum does not include funding commitments or procurement obligations.
The Port of Long Beach also serves as the homeport for two Ready Reserve Force vessels managed by MARAD and is one of the nation’s 18 designated Commercial Strategic Seaports, supporting military operations and supply chain continuity during national emergencies.
If successful, the initiative could mark the beginning of a new era in maritime transportation, opening the door to the use of nuclear energy across commercial shipping and port infrastructure.
