You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence Americas News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features Americas ABS and US DOE Join Forces to Advance Nuclear Technology in Shipping ABS and US DOE Join Forces to Advance Nuclear Technology in Shipping by Ship & Bunker News Team Tuesday October 13, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The US has been stepping up efforts to advance the nuclear technology in shipping. Image Credit: ABS Classification society ABS and the US Department of Energy (DOE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the use of nuclear technology in commercial shipping. The MoU covers nuclear-powered vessels, floating nuclear power plants and the infrastructure needed to support them, including ports and shipyards, ABS said in a press release on Monday . The two organisations will work on feasibility studies for floating nuclear power and nuclear transportation corridors. They will also look at ways to develop the US shipbuilding industry to support the construction and operation of nuclear-powered vessels. ABS will co-manage the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group and provide technical, regulatory, economic and policy support for the work. “Advanced nuclear technology has the potential to transform the commercial maritime industry and open new markets for American innovation,” Ted Garrish , DOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, said. The agreement comes as the US steps up efforts to advance nuclear technology in commercial shipping. While nuclear propulsion has long been used in naval vessels, interest in its commercial shipping applications is growing. Earlier this year, the US Coast Guard signed an MoU with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to support nuclear applications in shipping. UK