Port of Corpus Christi signs agreement to explore nuclear technology for ships, port operations

The port and the U.S. Department of Transportation will study small nuclear reactors, backup power systems and technology that could eventually power ships.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Port of Corpus Christi has agreed with the U.S. Department of Transportation to explore how nuclear technology could one day power ships and support port operations.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel and Port of Corpus Christi leaders on Wednesday to announce the partnership.

The agreement does not mean a nuclear reactor is being built at the port. Instead, the two sides will study possible uses for small modular reactors, or SMRs, which are smaller nuclear reactors designed to generate power.

“Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,” Duffy said. “I’m thrilled that the Port of Corpus Christi is embracing this exciting partnership.”

The partnership will also explore microgrids that could help keep port operations running during power outages, as well as shore-based power systems and infrastructure that could support new ways of powering ships.

Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel said the technology could help make Gulf Coast ports and shipping operations more reliable during emergencies.

“SMR integration has the potential to drive down costs and guarantee that our critical Gulf Coast maritime supply chains remain resilient against any contingency, from extreme weather to power grid disruptions,” Carmel said.

The agreement also includes exploring workforce training opportunities as the maritime industry considers new energy technologies.

The Port of Corpus Christi is one of the nation’s largest energy ports and a major exporter of crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

Jeff Pollack, the port’s chief strategy and innovation officer, said the agreement represents another step toward preparing the port and maritime industry for future technology.

“With this agreement, the Port of Corpus Christi affirms its commitment to work with the Administration to promote innovation in the U.S. maritime sector,” Pollack said.

The Corpus Christi agreement is the second partnership signed by the Department of Transportation since Duffy launched an initiative in May to explore the use of small modular reactors in the maritime industry.