A new test program could bring nuclear propulsion back to American container shipping, potentially reshaping how vessels and ports are powered.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (Marad) and the Port of Long Beach have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology for commercial vessels and port operations, according to a FreightWaves report by Stuart Chirls.
“This first-of-its-kind partnership with Marad allows us to leverage strong federal leadership and private sector innovation to catalyze SMR technology as we safely and securely support the next generation of shipping,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Noel Hacegaba at a signing ceremony at the port this week. Hacegaba noted that the port moves $300 billion in cargo annually and supports 2.7 million American jobs.
Memorandum of Cooperation Details
The agreement includes no funding or procurement requirements, but establishes a framework for collaboration with the Coast Guard, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to define operational protocols, safety standards, and inspection processes needed to support safe arrival and servicing of SMR-powered vessels at U.S. ports. The port and Marad will also share best practices.
Separately, the Port of Long Beach recently signed a lease agreement with BlueCore Energy Inc., a private sector manufacturer located on port property that is developing barge-mounted reactor technology.
Marad had already issued a Request for Information in May on development of U.S.-built commercial SMR technology for the marine transportation system.
Key Stakeholder Statements
“This milestone agreement with the Port of Long Beach brings cutting-edge Small Modular Reactor technology into active testing,” said Marad Administrator Stephen Carmel. “It ensures our maritime supply chains stay operational under any contingency while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”
Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Frank Colonna added: “This Memorandum of Cooperation with Marad positions the Port of Long Beach to help develop energy sources for the goods movement industry while maintaining our role as the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade. This aligns well with our track record of testing and demonstrating innovative new technologies at the Port of Long Beach.”
Historical Context
Development, if successful, could see operation of the first domestic nuclear-powered merchant ship since the S.S. Savannah in 1959. Russia currently operates a single nuclear commercial vessel, the Sevmorput, as well as a fleet of nuclear-powered civilian icebreakers.
The project comes as Long Beach — with neighboring Los Angeles the busiest U.S. port — forecast container volume to double by 2050.
Marad homeports two Ready Reserve vessels at Long Beach, one of 18 designated Commercial Strategic Seaports in the U.S., supporting military and supply chain functions during national emergencies.
Implications for the Supply Chain
For freight forwarders, ocean carriers, and port operators, the nuclear test program represents a potential long-term shift in vessel propulsion and port energy. If SMR technology proves viable, container ships could operate with zero emissions and extended range, reducing dependence on traditional bunker fuels and emerging alternatives like LNG, ammonia, or sail. Ports could also use SMRs for shore power and cargo-handling equipment, lowering their carbon footprint.
However, the program is still in early stages — the Memorandum of Cooperation is a framework for testing, not a deployment commitment. Regulatory approval, safety certification, and public acceptance will be critical hurdles. The collaboration involves multiple federal agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which will set the standards for port-side handling of nuclear-powered vessels.
Watch list
- Regulatory milestones: NRC and Coast Guard rulemaking for SMR-powered vessel operations at U.S. ports.
- BlueCore Energy development: Progress on the barge-mounted reactor technology being developed at Port of Long Beach.
- Commercial interest: Whether major container lines or energy companies partner in the testing phase.
- International precedents: Russia’s operational experience with nuclear commercial vessels and icebreakers may inform U.S. safety and training protocols.
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