Long Beach lined up as US testbed for nuclear-powered shipping

The US Maritime Administration is set to sign a landmark agreement with the Port of Long Beach to explore small modular reactors for commercial ships and other port applications, pushing nuclear propulsion further into the mainstream maritime debate.

The agreement, due to be signed in Washington on Wednesday, is the first of its kind between MARAD and an American port. It will examine how small modular reactor technology could be tested and integrated into vessels, terminals and the wider marine transportation system.

The initiative forms part of the Trump administration’s effort to rebuild US maritime and shipbuilding capabilities while reducing dependence on conventional marine fuels.

MARAD launched a broader small modular reactor programme in May, seeking proposals for a US-built system that could be scaled across commercial fleets and supporting logistics infrastructure. The agency said it was interested in treating nuclear propulsion as commercial infrastructure rather than a one-off technology demonstration.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, the US is reclaiming its rightful place as a global sea power,” transportation secretary Sean Duffy said when unveiling the initiative.<

“By partnering with industry experts and outside-the-box thinkers to develop a strong SMR model, we will deliver a state-of-the-art energy source that cuts costs and bolsters national security.”<

Small modular reactors are being promoted as a potential source of reliable, high-output power capable of allowing commercial ships to sail farther without conventional bunkering. Supporters argue that long reactor fuel cycles could reduce exposure to volatile fuel prices while eliminating operational greenhouse gas emissions.

However, any commercial deployment would require an extensive new regulatory and operational framework.

MARAD’s request for industry input covers reactor and vessel design, port acceptance, security, crew training, inspections, liability, insurance and integration with international regulations. The agency is working with the US Coast Guard, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy.

MARAD administrator Stephen Carmel said the technology must be approached as a system-wide transition rather than simply a shipboard experiment.

The Long Beach agreement could therefore test more than propulsion. Potential port uses could include shore-based power generation and resilient energy supplies for cargo-handling equipment and terminal infrastructure.

The project remains at an exploratory stage, with no reactor design, vessel or deployment timetable announced.

Source: Splash247

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