As the United States\u2019 largest port for petroleum exports and a national leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, the Port of Corpus Christi is a major gateway for American energy. Thanks to President Donald J. Trump, the Port has seen an 81% increase in LNG exports since 2022.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmall modular reactors have the potential to reshape America\u2019s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.\u00a0\u201cI\u2019m 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\u2019s fleet with this state-of-the-art technology.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi demonstrates that the leading energy port in the nation understands the significance of this technology,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Maritime Administrator Stephen \u00a0M. Carmel.\u00a0\u201cSMR 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC), MARAD and the Port of Corpus Christi agreed to work together to explore opportunities to advance maritime energy systems, including through the potential integration of SMR technologies, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion concepts, and related workforce development opportunities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Trump Administration has long recognized the important role of the Port of Corpus Christi in reclaiming America\u2019s energy dominance,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Congressman Michael Cloud (TX-27).\u00a0\u201cSmall modular reactor technology has the potential to power port operations, support the broader industrial complex, and advance maritime propulsion capabilities in ways that will benefit the entire Gulf Coast and the nation. I appreciate Secretary Duffy\u2019s work in ensuring America continues to lead in energy innovation.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/marad.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Before the signing, Secretary Duffy and MARAD Administrator Carmel toured the Port of Corpus Christi and its energy infrastructure alongside Rep. Cloud<\/p>\n
\u201cWith this agreement, the Port of Corpus Christi affirms its commitment to work with the Administration to promote innovation in the U.S. maritime sector in support of our nation\u2019s storied maritime industrial base and the communities around the world that depend upon it,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Jeff Pollack, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi.<\/p>\n
Additional Information:<\/p>\n
In May, Secretary Duffy\u00a0launched<\/a>\u00a0the initiative to develop SMRs to drive down costs for U.S. shipping and enhance energy dominance.<\/p>\n In June, the Trump Administration signed an agreement to establish the nation\u2019s first testing area for nuclear-powered vessels with the\u00a0Port of Long Beach<\/a>.<\/p>\n