The US Department of Transportation and the Port of Corpus Christi have signed a memorandum of cooperation to explore the use of small modular reactor technology in maritime applications.
Under the agreement, officials from the Maritime Administration and port management will assess options for integrating small modular reactors into port infrastructure, including resilient microgrids and shoreside power systems.
The initiative will also examine infrastructure requirements for emerging vessel propulsion technologies and opportunities for workforce development.
The agreement is the second partnership established under a federal maritime nuclear initiative launched in May. In June, the department signed an arrangement with the Port of Long Beach to establish a testing zone for nuclear-powered vessels.
The Port of Corpus Christi is the largest US gateway for petroleum exports and has recorded an 81 per cent increase in liquefied natural gas exports since 2022.
“Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,” said US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel said integrating the technology could reduce costs and help protect gulf coast supply chains from potential power grid disruptions. Port Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Jeff Pollack said the port would work with federal officials to advance the technology across the US maritime sector.