ABS, DOE-NE sign maritime nuclear MOU

The American Bureau of Shipping and the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance modern commercial nuclear technology at sea; whether as floating nuclear power plants; nuclear-powered vessels; or at ports, shipyards, or industrial bases.

In the latest partnership between government and industry on expanding nuclear reactor technology into maritime applications, the maritime classification and certification organization will craft concept and feasibility studies for the floating nuclear power and nuclear transportation corridors. ABS also will provide support to the U.S. shipbuilding industry as it works to develop nuclear-powered assets safely. Lastly, it will coordinate related work through the U.S. Maritime Administration's U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation.

ABS will be tasked with comanaging the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group by providing technical, regulatory, economic, and policy support on studies and working with the DOE to foster interagency coordination.

Quotables: "Advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to application, and the maritime industry needs to be ready for it," ABS chairman and CEO John McDonald said in a statement. "This agreement with DOE reflects the depth of work already underway and provides a framework to go further."

DOE Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish said, "The Department of Energy's partnership with the American Bureau of Shipping will help explore how we can build on decades of experience to safely bring next-generation nuclear technologies to the maritime sector and position America to lead this emerging industry."

Previous maritime nuclear developments: Multiple agencies have made commitments this year to advance maritime nuclear projects. The International Atomic Energy Agency launched its Atomic Technologies Licensed for Applications at Sea (ATLAS) program, which would support the use of new nuclear reactor technology in civilian shipping and floating nuclear power plants. DOE Secretary Chris Wright backed ATLAS, speaking in support of the global initiative during its launch in August.

The Department of Transportation's MARAD signed memorandums of cooperation this summer with the ports of Long Beach in California and Corpus Christi in Texas to explore the use of new nuclear reactor technology to power commercial vessels, ports, and other maritime assets.