Bluecore Energy is advancing its floating nuclear power project into a more formal development and regulatory phase. The Long Beach-based company has acquired its first barge and is starting official discussions with federal regulators, aiming to create a commercial maritime nuclear system.
The company is working on its first maritime nuclear energy system at the Port of Long Beach. This includes the development of a prototype reactor module that is not yet fueled, which will help in creating and validating systems for monitoring, sensors, and control.
Bluecore’s initial system is planned to generate around 10 megawatts of continuous power using water-cooled nuclear technology on a floating platform. The company claims that this system could operate for several years between refueling, and it could eventually be expanded as the demand for electricity increases.
The primary target for this concept includes ports and critical infrastructure in coastal areas, where the demand for electricity is rapidly outpacing the capacity of existing power grids.
Unlike traditional nuclear plants that are built on land, Bluecore is designing its reactor specifically for marine use. Depending on future licensing and safety requirements, this technology could potentially support ports, data centers, and other coastal infrastructures from offshore or other suitable maritime locations.
However, this approach is now facing one of the biggest challenges for commercial maritime nuclear power: regulation.
Bluecore has started working with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard to understand the rules applicable to civilian floating nuclear systems. These two agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding to provide coordinated oversight for floating nuclear power plants and nuclear propulsion systems.
“The regulatory environment for commercial maritime nuclear is developing at just the right time,” said Megan Moyette, Bluecore’s licensing and safety lead and a former Navy nuclear submarine officer.
Moyette mentioned that both the NRC and Coast Guard have been involved in discussions from the beginning, which gives Bluecore confidence that a clearer path for licensing is beginning to take shape.
This initiative coincides with the federal government’s broader examination of whether small modular reactors could become part of U.S. ports and commercial shipping.
In July, the Port of Long Beach and the U.S. Maritime Administration signed a pioneering cooperation agreement to explore maritime energy systems, including small modular reactors, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power infrastructure, and advanced propulsion technologies for vessels.
Port officials have stated that the shift towards electrification will require hundreds of megawatts of additional power in the future.
“To meet that future demand, we will need new technologies and energy sources,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Noel Hacegaba.
The Port of Corpus Christi has joined Long Beach in the Maritime Administration’s maritime nuclear initiative, and the agency has partnered with CORE POWER to explore the regulatory and commercial framework needed for nuclear-powered U.S.-flagged merchant ships.
Bluecore’s focus is on generating floating power rather than nuclear propulsion.
The company believes that placing reactors on maritime platforms could provide power close to significant users without utilizing valuable land in ports or coastal areas. However, future fueled systems will still need federal nuclear licensing along with maritime, environmental, security, and site-specific safety reviews.
Bluecore is supporting its development efforts with a recently completed $50 million seed funding round led by Silverton Partners. This follows a $10 million pre-seed round announced when the company came out of stealth mode in July.
The funding will be used for engineering, hardware development, testing, manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and hiring as the company pushes its first system toward deployment.
Since its launch, Bluecore has also secured its first barge and expanded its operations at the Port of Long Beach.
“Six months ago, we were laying the groundwork,” said founder and CEO Kofi Asante. “Now, we have the necessary capital, a strong team, hardware, and key institutions in nuclear and maritime working with us.”
While commercial deployment is still a few years away, this project marks a significant step, indicating that maritime nuclear concepts are transitioning from theoretical discussions and studies to actual hardware development, licensing efforts, and real-world testing.