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US development of nuclear-powered commercial ships

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2026-08-25 02:47 UTC → 2026-08-31 09:57 UTC · added removed

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 signed entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation formal seven-year agreement with Core Power, a UK-based developer of maritime nuclear reactors. This partnership seeks to address establish a framework for addressing technical and logistical challenges, including regulatory approval, port operations, crew credentialing, nuclear fuel lifecycle services, insurance, and insurance. financing. The initiative is part of a broader Department of Transportation effort to integrate small modular reactors into the maritime sector. In addition to the partnership with Core Power, U.S. officials plan Power CEO Mikal Boe has stated the project is necessary to discuss maintain Western maritime power and economic security. The company intends to operate a billion-dollar nuclear technology with representatives from shipyard in the United Kingdom, France, Japan, States, with construction planned for 2028 and South Korea during an upcoming International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Washington. 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.

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  1. 2026-08-31 09:57 UTC US development of nuclear-powered commercial ships
  2. 2026-08-25 02:47 UTC US development of nuclear-powered commercial ships

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