Americas News
US Plans to Develop Small Nuclear Reactors for Commercial Ships
The US Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have launched an initiative to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) for commercial ships.
MARAD is seeking input from industry stakeholders and technology firms on the future use of SMRs in the shipping sector, the US Department of Transportation said in an announcement on Thursday.
The agency said the initiative aims to improve vessel efficiency by providing reliable onboard power that could allow ships to travel farther and faster while reducing fuel and maintenance costs.
The initiative will also examine how nuclear-powered ships could be built in US shipyards and what regulations, insurance rules and workforce training would be needed before the vessels enter service.
MARAD said it is working with the US Coast Guard, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy on the project.
Comments are due by August 5, 2026.
While nuclear energy has been used in naval vessels, its adoption in commercial shipping has been hindered by regulatory and safety concerns.
In January, IMO's sub-committee announced it had started work to develop a safety framework to support the use of nuclear technologies in shipping.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 896.00 | 6.00 | 1254.50 | 11.50 |
| Rotterdam | 692.00 | 9.50 | 1333.00 | 7.00 |
| Houston | 754.50 | 9.00 | 1398.50 | 28.50 |
| Fujairah | 984.50 | 5.00 | 1686.00 | 9.50 |
| Americas Average | 907.50 | 7.00 | 1594.00 | 6.00 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 884.50 | 8.00 | 1508.00 | 8.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 831.50 | 7.00 | 1418.00 | 10.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 937.00 | 6.50 | 1573.50 | 6.50 |
Popular Now More
-
Oct 08The incident marks the first reported attack on a vessel in the Gulf, away from the Strait of Hormuz, since September 9. -
Oct 07EIA cites Saudi pipeline attacks and tight diesel markets, and lifts every 2027 quarter by $10/bbl. -
Oct 06Camilo Angulo Ferrand tells Ship & Bunker that its long-term crude and refining contracts should help keep availability stable in the region despite the Iran war.