en.Wedoany.com Reported - The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) have issued a Request for Information, launching a program to develop small modular nuclear reactors for commercial shipping. The initiative is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to expand domestic shipbuilding and maritime energy capabilities, soliciting input from industry stakeholders, shipbuilders, technology developers, and operators on how to integrate small modular nuclear reactors into the U.S. commercial maritime sector.

MARAD stated that the move aims to explore how nuclear-powered commercial vessels can enhance ship range and endurance while reducing fuel costs and maintenance requirements. The Request for Information focuses on several key areas, including deployment methods for nuclear-powered ships, regulatory and insurance frameworks, workforce development, and the integration of reactor production into U.S. shipyards. The program also calls for industry feedback on how small modular nuclear reactors can support U.S. supply chains and national defense while expanding domestic maritime manufacturing capacity.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy said: "Under President Trump's leadership, America is reclaiming its rightful place as a global maritime power. To secure this future for American shipbuilding, we need innovation. By collaborating with industry experts and breakthrough thinkers to develop robust small modular nuclear reactor models, we will deliver a cutting-edge energy source that lowers costs and enhances national security."

MARAD Administrator Stephen M. Carmel stated that the agency is approaching this effort as a broader systemic transformation, not merely a technology demonstration project. Carmel said: "To successfully introduce small modular nuclear reactors, we must view it through the lens of systemic transformation, not just as a technology demonstration. We are seeking critical insights on how the government can help reduce systemic uncertainty, harmonize regulatory structures, and create the market conditions necessary for private capital and operators to scale these breakthrough technologies."

The program comes as federal agencies continue to lay the regulatory groundwork for advanced nuclear technology in the maritime domain. In December 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard announced the establishment of a Maritime Nuclear Policy Office within its Office of Design and Engineering Standards, tasked with developing and implementing policies governing the safe and secure integration of nuclear technology into the U.S. Marine Transportation System. This office will serve as the central point of contact for maritime nuclear policy, coordinating among federal agencies, international partners, industry leaders, academia, and national laboratories.

According to MARAD, the program aligns with the U.S. President's executive orders on energy production and maritime policy and will examine the certification requirements and workforce pipelines needed to support nuclear-powered commercial vessels and associated shipyard operations.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com