The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Port of Corpus Christi have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications.

It marks the second such agreement since the Department launched its SMR initiative in May.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy was joined by Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel, U.S. Representative Michael Cloud (TX-27) and Port of Corpus Christi leadership to sign the agreement.

Ahead of the signing, Secretary Duffy and Administrator Carmel toured the port’s energy infrastructure alongside Representative Cloud.

Under the MOC, MARAD and the Port of Corpus Christi will work together to explore maritime energy systems, including potential integration of SMR technologies, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, infrastructure to support emerging vessel propulsion concepts, and related workforce development.

Secretary Duffy said: “Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains. I’m thrilled that the Port of Corpus Christi is embracing this exciting partnership with the Trump Administration to ensure the United States leads the way in innovation. Maritime dominance starts with rebuilding America’s fleet with this state-of-the-art technology.”

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Administrator Carmel added: “This agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi demonstrates that the leading energy port in the nation understands the significance of this technology. 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, while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”

Jeff Pollack, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi, stated: “With this agreement, the Port of Corpus Christi affirms its commitment to work with the Administration to promote innovation in the US maritime sector in support of our nation’s storied maritime industrial base and the communities around the world that depend upon it.”

The agreement follows a similar MOC signed with the Port of Long Beach earlier this year.

For more information:

Port of Corpus Christi – https://portofcc.com/