The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have launched an initiative to explore the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for commercial shipping, in a move aimed at reshaping ship propulsion, energy use and domestic shipbuilding capacity.
As a first step, MARAD has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input from industry stakeholders and technology developers on how SMRs could be integrated into commercial vessels and maritime logistics systems.
The initiative focuses on five core areas: efficiency gains through high-power onboard energy systems; reduced operating costs through the removal of traditional fuel requirements; strengthened national security via energy independence and supply chain resilience; scalable deployment across fleets; and workforce development linked to US shipyards.
It also calls for early alignment on regulatory frameworks, including liability, insurance and port access standards, before deployment begins.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to restore U.S. maritime strength.
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Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary, said: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. is reclaiming its rightful place as a global sea power. To secure this future for America’s shipbuilding industry, we need to innovate. By partnering with industry experts and outside-the-box thinkers to develop a strong SMR model, we will deliver a state-of-the-art energy source that cuts costs and bolsters national security — all at the Speed of Trump.”
The RFI also highlights the role of SMRs in revitalising U.S. shipbuilding, with plans to explore integration into domestic yards to support workforce pipelines and new technical credentialing standards.
Stephen M. Carmel, Administrator at the Maritime Administration (MARAD), stated: “To successfully introduce SMRs, we must view this through a system-transition lens rather than just as a technology demonstration. We are seeking critical insights on how the government can help reduce systemic uncertainty, align regulatory structures, and enable the market conditions necessary for private capital and operators to scale these groundbreaking technologies.”
The initiative positions nuclear propulsion as a potential long-term option for commercial shipping, with emphasis on cost reduction, extended range capabilities and alignment with future energy and defence priorities.
For more information:
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration – https://www.transportation.gov/
