The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is officially exploring how small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) could power the nation's marine transportation system. This surprising move signals a potential paradigm shift in an industry long dominated by diesel engines and heavy fuel oil.
MARAD, an agency within the Department of Transportation, announced it is studying the feasibility, safety, and regulatory pathways for integrating SMRs into commercial vessels and port infrastructure. The initiative aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and enhance energy security for one of the world's largest shipping fleets. Why now? Because global shipping faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, and SMRs offer a dense, zero-emission power source that can operate for years without refueling.
Small modular nuclear reactors are advanced reactors with a power capacity typically under 300 megawatts electric (MWe). Unlike traditional gigawatt-scale plants, they are factory-built, scalable, and designed with passive safety features. Several designs are already under regulatory review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The maritime sector, which accounts for roughly 3% of global CO₂ emissions, has struggled to find viable alternatives to heavy fuel oil. Battery-electric propulsion works only for short voyages; hydrogen and ammonia face storage and cost hurdles. Nuclear power, however, offers a proven, energy-dense solution—though its use in civilian shipping has been limited to icebreakers and military vessels.
Key players in the exploration include MARAD, the NRC, and private reactor developers like NuScale Power and TerraPower. A 2025 report from the Department of Energy estimated that nuclear-powered container ships could reduce lifecycle emissions by 90% compared to conventional bunker fuel. However, challenges abound: regulatory frameworks for floating nuclear reactors don't fully exist, port infrastructure must be built to handle nuclear fuel, and public perception of nuclear safety remains a hurdle. The study is expected to deliver a roadmap within 18 months.
Industry analysts see this as a watershed moment. John M. K. , a maritime energy researcher at the University of Michigan, noted that “if the US can crack the regulatory and safety code for small modular nuclear reactors on ships, it could set a global standard.” The move also aligns with broader U.S. ambitions to lead in advanced nuclear technology and counter China's growing influence in both nuclear exports and shipping.
What happens next? MARAD will conduct stakeholder workshops, safety analyses, and cost-benefit studies through 2027. A pilot project could follow by the early 2030s. Key milestones to watch include NRC certification of a maritime-specific SMR design and international treaties on nuclear liability for commercial shipping. If successful, the first nuclear-powered cargo ships could begin operating within a decade, transforming marine transportation forever.
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U.S. Exploring Small Modular Nuclear Reactors In Marine Transportation
The Maritime Administration is exploring how nuclear energy in small modular reactors can revolutionize the U.S. marine transportation system.
Noël Fletcher, Contributor
Forbes
3 min read
6/10
Washington, D.C.
Key Takeaways
- MARAD's study will assess SMRs for both ship propulsion and port-side power, targeting a 90% emissions reduction per vessel.
- Small modular nuclear reactors typically generate under 300 MWe and can operate 5–7 years without refueling.
- Global shipping emits ~3% of CO₂—roughly 1 billion metric tons annually—and faces IMO targets for 50% reduction by 2050.
- NuScale Power and TerraPower are among reactor developers with designs adaptable to maritime environments.
- A 2025 DOE report found nuclear-powered ships could save 200 million tons of CO₂ per year if adopted across 30% of the global fleet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MWe per unit. They are factory-built, scalable, and designed with passive safety features that reduce the risk of accidents. Several SMR designs are under regulatory review by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
SMRs can be installed on ships to provide propulsion and onboard power, or positioned at ports to supply electricity to vessels. They eliminate the need for frequent refueling—up to 7 years—and produce zero emissions during operation, making them attractive for long-haul container shipping.
The U.S. Maritime Administration is studying SMRs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector, which accounts for about 3% of global CO₂. Nuclear power offers a dense, reliable energy source that can help meet International Maritime Organization emission reduction targets and enhance energy security.
SMRs incorporate passive safety systems that cool the reactor without external power or operator action. However, safety certification for marine environments requires additional regulatory review, including protection against collisions, flooding, and extreme weather. The NRC will oversee these assessments.
MARAD's study is expected to produce a roadmap by 2028. If regulatory and infrastructure hurdles are cleared, a pilot project could launch by the early 2030s, with commercial nuclear-powered ships potentially entering service by the mid-2030s.
Key challenges include developing a regulatory framework for floating reactors, building port infrastructure for fuel handling and waste storage, addressing insurance and liability issues, and overcoming public concerns about nuclear safety. The upfront cost of SMRs also remains high compared to conventional engines.
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