Transportation Secretary Unveils Nuclear Maritime Tech Initiative

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel announced a new partnership between the Department of Transportation and the Port of Corpus Christi to explore nuclear maritime technologies.

The Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) aims to advance maritime energy systems, including the integration of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies, resilient port microgrids, and shoreside power architecture.

The partnership comes as a result of Secretary Duffy's SMR initiative launched in May. The Port of Corpus Christi is a major gateway for American energy, with an 81% increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports since 2022.

The agreement will also focus on infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion concepts and related workforce development opportunities.