The US Department of Transportation and the Port of Corpus Christi have signed a memorandum of cooperation to explore the use of small modular reactor technology in maritime applications.
Under the agreement, officials from the Maritime Administration and port management will assess options for integrating small modular reactors into port infrastructure, including resilient microgrids and shoreside power systems.
The initiative will also examine infrastructure requirements for emerging vessel propulsion technologies and opportunities for workforce development.
The agreement is the second partnership established under a federal maritime nuclear initiative launched in May. In June, the department signed an arrangement with the Port of Long Beach to establish a testing zone for nuclear-powered vessels.