The US is taking steps towards introducing nuclear propulsion into commercial shipping, with federal authorities and CORE POWER announcing a new cooperation framework aimed at developing a future fleet of US-flagged nuclear-powered merchant vessels.
The memorandum of cooperation between the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and CORE POWER is intended to establish a commercial, industrial and regulatory pathway for nuclear-powered shipping. CORE POWER is targeting first construction starts from 2028.
“China is already moving toward nuclear-powered commercial shipping,” said Mikal Bøe, founder and chief executive of CORE POWER. “America does not regain maritime strength by building a better version of yesterday’s ship.”
The initiative comes as the US administration seeks to rebuild domestic shipbuilding capacity and strengthen the maritime industrial base, while China maintains a dominant position in global commercial ship construction and develops nuclear-powered shipping concepts.
The framework will bring government, industry and other stakeholders together to address regulatory approval, port operations, workforce requirements, fuel supply, lifecycle services, insurance and financing. Supporters say reducing uncertainty across these areas could encourage private investment in ships, shipyards and supporting infrastructure.
Stephen M. Carmel, administrator of MARAD, said nuclear propulsion represented a commercial opportunity but would need to be developed as a complete system that is safe, secure, licensable and investable.
CORE POWER plans to establish a US nuclear-grade integration and lifecycle shipyard capable of nuclear installation, initial fuelling, testing, commissioning, refuelling, defuelling and long-term support. Conventional hulls and marine systems could be constructed at commercial shipyards, with allied shipbuilding capacity potentially helping accelerate production.
The proposed nuclear shipyard would also support development of a specialist workforce and supplier network, expanding heavy engineering and nuclear-qualified capabilities across the wider maritime sector.
The agreement follows MARAD’s recent request for information on commercially viable approaches to nuclear propulsion in the US marine transportation system.
