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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

3 clusters · 8 sources · 30 days · First seen · Last updated

Long Beach‑MARAD nuclear shipping partnership

Overview

In late July 2026, the Port of Long Beach announced a non‑binding memorandum of cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to explore small modular reactor (SMR) technology for powering commercial vessels and other maritime assets. The initial announcement highlighted collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to develop safety standards, operational protocols and inspection processes.

Two days later the port expanded on the agreement, noting that it builds on an existing lease with BlueCore Energy, which will assemble and test maritime power modules. Port CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba reiterated that the partnership leverages federal leadership and private‑sector innovation, linking the program to the port’s goal of doubling container volume by 2050 and providing a low‑carbon alternative to LNG, methanol and battery‑electric propulsion.

By August 2026, the scope of the project at Long Beach was further clarified as part of a broader U.S. effort to develop floating SMR technology on barges to revitalize domestic shipbuilding and expand energy capacity. These units, which could potentially provide up to 300 MW(e) per unit, are intended to power both port operations and visiting vessels. However, the initiative faces potential regulatory challenges, as it remains unclear if these floating modular reactors are subject to California’s 1976 ban on new nuclear power plants.

Entities

Bluecore Energy · United States Department of Transportation · Sean P. Duffy · Port of Corpus Christi · Port of Long Beach

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    United States develops floating nuclear reactors for ports

    The U.S. is developing floating small modular reactors (SMRs) at ports like Long Beach and Corpus Christi to boost maritime industry and energy capacity through barge-based nuclear technology.

  2. 29 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Port of Long Beach partners with MARAD on nuclear ship power

    Long Beach port signs historic MOA with MARAD to study nuclear SMR power for commercial vessels, marking the first U.S. seaport partnership on the technology.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Port of Long Beach partners with US Maritime Administration to test nuclear ship reactors

    The Port of Long Beach signed a non‑binding pact with the U.S. Maritime Administration to explore small modular nuclear reactors for commercial ships and port power, the first such partnership for a U.S. seport

Sources

africanewswire.net · container-news.com · cyprusshippingnews.com · laopinion.com · mynewsla.com · portalportuario.cl · porttechnology.org · professionalmariner.com