The Trump administration is taking steps toward introducing nuclear-powered commercial shipping, aiming to transform the U.S. maritime industry significantly. On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the U....
The Trump administration is taking steps toward introducing nuclear-powered commercial shipping, aiming to transform the U.S. maritime industry significantly.
On Thursday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced a new initiative to develop Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for commercial ships. This effort is part of a wider strategy to regain American maritime leadership and lessen reliance on traditional marine fuels.
The initiative kicks off with a formal Request for Information (RFI) that invites proposals and feedback from the industry on how nuclear propulsion might be used across commercial fleets, shipyards, and logistics systems.
The administration believes this technology could greatly increase the range of vessels, lower fuel costs, boost domestic shipbuilding, and enhance national security, especially given the rising geopolitical tensions and energy disruptions affecting global shipping routes.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. is reclaiming its rightful place as a global sea power,” Duffy stated. “To secure this future for America’s shipbuilding industry, we need to innovate.”
This announcement coincides with Washington's effort to rebuild the shrinking U.S. commercial maritime sector amid increasing competition from China, which leads the world in shipbuilding capacity. Nuclear propulsion has been seen as a potential game changer for commercial shipping because reactors can function for years without needing refueling, which helps to cut costs and reduce harmful emissions.
The initiative will focus on several key areas, such as installing high-power onboard energy systems, lowering maintenance and fuel expenses, incorporating reactor construction in U.S. shipyards, and establishing liability and insurance frameworks essential for commercial use.
MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel emphasized that this endeavor is seen as more than just a demonstration of reactor technology.
“To successfully introduce SMRs, we need to look at this as a system transition rather than just a technology demonstration,” Carmel noted.
Federal agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy are joining the initiative as regulators tackle the legal and operational challenges of civilian nuclear-powered vessels.
Although nuclear propulsion has been used in naval ships and icebreakers for many years, its use in commercial shipping has been limited due to high initial costs, regulatory hurdles, port access issues, liability concerns, and public apprehension about nuclear safety.
Nonetheless, interest in nuclear power for maritime use is growing globally as shipowners face pressure to reduce emissions while maintaining long-range operational capabilities.
This announcement comes on the heels of several recent maritime nuclear projects, particularly in South Korea, where major shipbuilders and classification societies are working on nuclear-powered container ship designs and floating SMR platforms.
The initiative also fits into a larger effort by the White House to boost domestic energy production and revive U.S. industrial strength under executive orders emphasizing “Unleashing American Energy” and “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.”
MARAD indicated that additional workshops, technical exchanges, and listening sessions will take place as they collect industry feedback. Public comments on the initiative are expected by August 5, 2026.