UK-based firm Core Power on Wednesday (19 August) said it has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (PCCA), establishing a framework for a site-specific maritime nuclear readiness study at the Port of Corpus Christi. 

The study will examine how a major US energy and trade gateway could prepare for two additional distinct future roles: as a potential location for a floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) supplying firm power for port and regional demand, and as a gateway for future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships.

For the Port, the work is intended to provide a practical evidence base for considering how future ship-based power and shipping technologies could support regional growth, energy resilience and long-term competitiveness. 

For Core Power, the study will build out the practical requirements of its two product pathways in a real port operating environment. FNPPs require suitable sites, grid connections, customers, regulatory and environmental pathways, operating arrangements and long-term service support. Nuclear-powered commercial ships require safe and predictable pathways for transit, berthing and routine port operations. 

“The Port of Corpus Christi provides an opportunity to assess both pathways separately while understanding the shared infrastructure, safety, regulatory and commercial questions around them,” the company said. 

Separately, PCCA Commissioners have agreed to execute a Memorandum of Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration to examine the technical, regulatory and operational requirements for U.S. seaports to support the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants and provide safe harbour for civil nuclear-powered vessels. 

The agreement recognises PCCA’s work with Core Power to assess the feasibility of both pathways. 

“Taken together, these separate but complementary agreements represent an important step toward translating maritime nuclear technology into practical readiness requirements for US ports,” Core Power said. 

Jeff Pollack, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, said: “Port Corpus Christi, as the preeminent energy gateway in North America, is committed to remaining a leader in the global energy marketplace, even as that marketplace expands and evolves. 

“This collaboration will help us understand what would be required technically, environmentally, operationally and commercially for floating nuclear power plants and future calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships to be considered in the real-world context of the Port. It is about gathering evidence and keeping our region competitive for future investment, industry, and high-value jobs.”

Related: Port of Corpus Christi ink agreement to explore nuclear maritime technologies

Photo credit: Core Power
Published: 21 August, 2026

Singapore’s Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence (MESD) on Wednesday (5 August) said the findings of its latest study indicate that existing large harbour craft in Singapore are ready for the adoption of B100 biodiesel, provided appropriate fuel handling, storage and additive practices are in place.

The findings were published in MESD’s public report, Study on the Readiness of Existing Large Harbour Craft for B100 Biodiesel in Singapore.

“Overall, the results demonstrate the qualified readiness of existing large harbour craft in Singapore for B100 adoption, provided that appropriate fuel-handling, storage and additive practices are implemented,” MESD said in a social media post. 

“This represents an important step towards supporting the wider adoption of sustainable marine fuels and advancing Singapore’s maritime decarbonisation journey.”

The study evaluated fuel storage stability, engine performance, emissions and operational readiness through controlled laboratory testing and sea trials involving a tugboat and a bunker tanker.

MESD said the findings are highly encouraging, which include:

• Stable engine performance was maintained throughout the 200-hour sea trials, with no significant power loss, abnormal fuel-consumption trends or critical operational disruptions.
• Antioxidant additives improved oxidation stability and helped reduce the risk of fuel degradation during storage.
• B100 achieved brake thermal efficiency comparable to diesel, while producing lower carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions, with a modest increase in nitrogen oxide emissions.

Led by the MESD, the study was conducted in collaboration with KST Maritime Pte Ltd, V-Bunkers Tankers, Alpha biofuels, Aderco, Maritec Naias and IHI Power Systems Co Ltd.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)​ and the ​Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI)​ also contributed to the study. 

MESD added that further research on long-term engine endurance, fuel stability and material compatibility is ongoing under its FAME 1000 project, with a related public report expected to be released later this year.

Note: The report can be accessed here.

Photo credit: Maritime Energy & Sustainable Development Centre of Excellence
Published: 7 August, 2026

Korean Register (KR) on Tuesday (14 July) said it is collaborating with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to establish a domestic operating environment for ammonia-fuelled vessels under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Green Shipping Corridor Construction Support Project. 

The initiative supports the development of ammonia as one of the most promising next-generation marine fuels.

HHI recently conducted a sea trial of Korea’s first ammonia dual-fuel propulsion vessel. The trial generated operational data on the vessel’s fuel supply system and engine, which will provide a valuable technical foundation for KR’s future development of domestic guidelines for environmentally friendly vessel operations and supporting wider maritime decarbonisation efforts.

A spokesperson for HD Hyundai, said: “Drawing on our group’s R&D capabilities and on-site technical expertise, we have made meaningful progress in advancing the application of ammonia as a marine fuel. We expect this to help enhance a sustainable maritime ecosystem while strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding industry.”

Kim Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D Division, added: “The close collaboration between KR and HD Hyundai has enabled us to build the technical foundation for introducing ammonia-fueled vessels in Korea. We will continue to drive national projects forward together with HD Hyundai and establish technical standards befitting the era of Green Shipping Corridors.”

Photo credit: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries
Published: 17 July, 2026