# US development of nuclear-powered commercial ships

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-development-of-nuclear-powered-commercial-ships
> Updated: 2026-08-30T07:36:18.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

The United States is pursuing a maritime strategy centered on nuclear-powered commercial vessels to counter China’s dominance in the global shipbuilding industry. Data indicates that China accounted for 54.57% of global shipbuilding tonnage in 2024, while the U.S. held only 0.04%. Stephen Carmel, Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), stated that competing with China on the cost of conventional vessels is unfeasible, suggesting the U.S. instead leverage its technological advantages in naval nuclear reactors.

To advance this goal, MARAD has entered into a formal seven-year agreement with Core Power, a UK-based developer of maritime nuclear reactors. This partnership seeks to establish a framework for addressing technical and logistical challenges, including regulatory approval, port operations, crew credentialing, nuclear fuel lifecycle services, insurance, and financing. The initiative is part of a broader Department of Transportation effort to integrate small modular reactors into the maritime sector.

Core Power CEO Mikal Boe has stated the project is necessary to maintain Western maritime power and economic security. The company intends to operate a billion-dollar nuclear shipyard in the United States, with construction planned for 2028 and the first ships expected by 2033. These vessels are intended to be emission-free and capable of traveling at 30 knots, approximately twice the speed of standard freighters. The plan reportedly has the support of the Trump administration as a method to revitalize American shipbuilding and create a market for the nuclear industry.

## Claims

- Core Power claims to be the only entity outside of Russia and China capable of integrating reactors into merchant ships. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Core Power CEO Mikal Bøe signed a seven-year agreement with the US Maritime Administration in Washington. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The proposed nuclear-powered fleet aims to reach speeds of 30 knots, which is twice as fast as current merchant freighters. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Core Power plans to operate a billion-dollar nuclear shipyard in the United States. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Construction of the nuclear shipyard is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first deliveries expected in 2033. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-30: Core Power signs US deal for nuclear-powered merchant ship fleet

Core Power has signed a seven-year deal with the US Maritime Administration to launch a fleet of high-speed, nuclear-powered merchant ships to compete with China's maritime dominance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/core-power-signs-us-deal-for-nuclear-powered-merchant-ship-fleet

### 2026-08-24: U.S. Maritime Administration partners with Core Power for nuclear commercial ships

The U.S. Maritime Administration and UK-based Core Power have partnered to develop nuclear-powered commercial ships, focusing on regulatory, logistical, and technical frameworks for maritime nuclear propulsion.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-maritime-administration-partners-with-core-power-for-nuclear-commercial-ships

### 2026-08-24: United States targets nuclear-powered ships to compete with China

The U.S. aims to counter China's shipbuilding dominance by developing nuclear-powered commercial vessels, leveraging advanced reactor technology to compete through innovation rather than low costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-targets-nuclear-powered-ships-to-compete-with-china

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Cite as: US development of nuclear-powered commercial ships. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-development-of-nuclear-powered-commercial-ships