Agreement signed to fast‑track nuclear propulsion
On 24 August 2026 the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) and CORE POWER (US) Inc. executed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at accelerating the commercial, industrial and regulatory pathways for U.S.-flagged vessels equipped with small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Maritime Logistics Professional notes that the partnership is presented as “first‑of‑its‑kind” in linking a federal maritime agency directly with a nuclear‑technology developer.
Strategic impetus behind the move
The agreement aligns with President Trump’s stated goal of coupling American energy dominance with maritime strength. gCaptain records Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel asserting that “American energy dominance and maritime strength go hand in hand.” CORE POWER founder and CEO Mikal Bøe framed the initiative as a response to China’s parallel efforts, warning that “China is already moving toward nuclear‑powered commercial shipping” and urging Washington to focus on maintaining a competitive edge.
Collaboration scope and immediate priorities
The memorandum outlines a collaborative framework covering several critical domains: SMR regulatory acceptance, port operations, crew credentialing, fuel and lifecycle services, insurance, and financing. MarineLink highlights that the announcement comes ahead of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s ATLAS launch forum on nuclear applications at sea, signalling an industry‑wide push for commercial adoption.
In addition to the CORE POWER deal, gCaptain points out earlier MARAD agreements with the ports of Long Beach and Corpus Christi, which established testing areas and preliminary frameworks for nuclear‑propelled vessels. Those prior pacts are described as stepping stones toward a full commercial rollout under U.S. flag.
Regulatory context and next steps
The CORE POWER pact represents MARAD’s third agreement since Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy launched a maritime SMR initiative in May 2026, according to gCaptain. The agency intends to use the cooperation to address “the biggest obstacles facing commercial nuclear propulsion,” including licensing, safety oversight and financing structures.
What this means for operators
Ship owners and operators should anticipate a forthcoming suite of regulatory guidelines that will dictate crew certification standards, fuel handling protocols and insurance requirements specific to SMR‑powered vessels. Ports slated for early testing may need infrastructure upgrades to accommodate nuclear fuel storage and waste management. Early engagement with MARAD’s framework could position operators to benefit from financing mechanisms and insurance products tailored to nuclear propulsion, while also ensuring compliance ahead of any mandatory standards.