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 Long Beach First US Port to Partner with MARAD on Nuclear Shipping Long Beach First US Port to Partner with MARAD on Nuclear Shipping by Ship & Bunker News Team Thursday July 23, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The two organisations aim to support the development of nuclear-powered commercial ships. Image Credit: Port of Long Beach The Port of Long Beach has become the first US port to sign a partnership with the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) to explore the use of nuclear energy to power ships. The memorandum of cooperation will advance small modular reactor (SMR) technology for ships and ports, the Port of Long Beach said in an emailed statement on Wednesday. As part of the agreement, MARAD and Long Beach will work with other federal agencies to develop safety standards, operating procedures and inspection requirements for future SMR-powered vessels calling at US ports. The partnership follows MARAD's request earlier this year for industry feedback on developing a US-built, commercially viable SMR for the country's marine transportation system. It also comes after the Long Beach signed a separate agreement with BlueCore Energy to assemble, test and store maritime power modules. The agreement is non-binding and does not commit either side to funding or deploying a specific nuclear technology, but marks an early step towards bringing nuclear power into commercial shipping. The US has been stepping up efforts to develop nuclear technologies for the maritime sector. Last month, the US Coast Guard and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission signed an agreement to support the safe deployment of advanced nuclear technologies