![\"\"](\"https:\/\/maritime-executive.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,format=auto,quality=80,fit=scale-down,onerror=redirect\/images\/quick-sub-header.png\")
<\/p>\nThe Port of Long Beach became the first port in the United States to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to advance work on the development of small modular reactor (SMR) technology. It is the first port partnership designed to support nuclear-powered vessels for commercial service and ties in with Long Beach\u2019s growth aspiration.<\/p>\n
Demand for reliable electricity sources is forecast to grow substantially as the Port of Long Beach pursues a goal to double container volume by 2050. It is already one of the largest ports in the United States, having handled a record of nearly 9.9 million TEU in 2025. In the first half of 2026, it has handled more than 4.8 million TEU, and the port continues to grow as the home to key industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis milestone agreement with the Port of Long Beach brings cutting-edge Small Modular Reactor technology into active testing,\u201d said Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel, during a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Under the agreement, the port and MARAD will collaborate with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Energy, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to help define the operational protocols, safety standards, and inspection processes needed to support the safe arrival and servicing of SMR-powered vessels at U.S. ports, as well as to develop and share other best practices.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Memorandum of Cooperation with MARAD positions the Port of Long Beach to help develop energy sources for the goods movement industry while maintaining our role as the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade,\u201d said Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners President Frank Colonna. \u201cThis aligns well with our track record of testing and demonstrating innovative new technologies at the Port of Long Beach.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Stay on Top of the Daily Maritime News<\/p>\n
The maritime news
\n
that matters most<\/p>\n
\n Get the latest maritime news delivered to your inbox daily.\n <\/p>\n
The agreement builds on a request for information from MARAD in May seeking industry input on the development of a U.S.-built, scalable, and commercially viable SMR for the nation\u2019s marine transportation system. Long Beach is already the home to BlueCore Energy, which is leasing space that allows the company to assemble, test, and store maritime power modules.<\/p>\n