Texas’ Port of Corpus Christi on Wednesday (19 August) signed an agreement with US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to kick off a new partnership focused on small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications.
Through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC), MARAD and the Port of Corpus Christi agreed to work together to explore opportunities to advance maritime energy systems, including through the potential integration of SMR technologies, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion concepts, and related workforce development opportunities.
By testing the latest innovations in SMRs, the Department said it can help revitalise US shipbuilding and cut fuel costs.
“Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
“This agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi demonstrates that the leading energy port in the nation understands the significance of this technology,” said Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel.
“SMR integration has the potential to drive down costs and guarantee that our critical Gulf Coast maritime supply chains remain resilient against any contingency, from extreme weather to power grid disruptions, while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”
This is the second agreement the Department has signed since Secretary Duffy launched the SMR initiative in May.
In June, the Trump Administration signed an agreement to establish the nation’s first testing area for nuclear-powered vessels with the Port of Long Beach.
Related: Long Beach becomes first US port to partner with MARAD on nuclear-powered shipping
Photo credit: US Department of Transportation
Published: 20 August, 2026
