US explores nuclear-powered ships and floating reactors in new agreement

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) have signed an agreement to explore the use of advanced nuclear technology in commercial maritime applications, including nuclear-powered vessels and floating power plants.

Announced on October 13, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishes a framework for feasibility studies, technical research, and coordination between government agencies and industry. The effort will also examine the ports, shipyards, and industrial infrastructure needed to build and support nuclear-powered maritime systems.

The agreement brings together the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy and ABS, a maritime classification society that develops technical standards for ships and offshore facilities. The partners aim to assess how advanced nuclear technology could be applied safely to commercial operations at sea.

Exploring nuclear power at sea

The agreement identifies floating nuclear power solutions and nuclear transportation corridors as key areas for concept and feasibility studies. It also includes support for developing a U.S. shipbuilding sector capable of building and operating nuclear-powered assets.

Floating nuclear power plants could provide electricity from marine-based platforms, while nuclear-powered vessels would use onboard reactors for propulsion. However, the MOU does not specify particular reactor designs, vessel projects, locations, or construction timelines. is focuses on assessing the feasibility of these applications rather than committing to specific projects.

The work will consider technical, regulatory, economic, and policy questions associated with establishing a maritime nuclear sector. These assessments are intended to help determine what would be required to move potential applications beyond the conceptual stage.

Coordinating research and industry development

Under the agreement, ABS will co-manage the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group (MNAG), a research hub and resource center focused on maritime nuclear technology. The organization will also provide technical, regulatory, economic, and policy support for concept and feasibility studies.

ABS will coordinate related work through the U.S. Maritime Administration’s U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation, for which it serves as Secretariat. The partnership is also aims to foster coordination among relevant federal agencies as the government works to develop a viable domestic maritime nuclear sector.

“Advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to application, and the maritime industry needs to be ready for it,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO.

He said the agreement provides a framework for expanding work already underway with the DOE and industry partners to make nuclear energy a practical option for commercial maritime applications.

DOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish said the partnership would help explore how decades of experience with nuclear technology could be applied to maritime operations and support American innovation in the sector.

Building on existing nuclear maritime work

ABS has already worked to establish the technical and regulatory foundations for maritime nuclear applications. The organization says it has published comprehensive classification rules for floating nuclear power plants and awarded approvals in principle for several nuclear projects.

An approval in principle is an early-stage assessment of a proposed design. It does not, by itself, indicate that a project has received final authorization or is ready for construction. The new MOU extends this work through a formal partnership with the DOE, bringing research, feasibility studies, and government coordination under a shared framework.

The agreement does not announce a specific nuclear-powered ship, floating power plant, or construction program. Instead, it establishes a process for examining the technologies and industrial capabilities that could support commercial nuclear applications at sea.