The Port of Long Beach has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with MARAD to become the first U.S. seaport studying the safe integration of small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Collaborating with federal agencies like the Coast Guard and Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the port aims to evaluate zero-emission nuclear power for commercial vessels and port microgrids without committing funds or selecting a specific technology.
Washington, D.C. | July 22, 2026 – The Port of Long Beach has signed a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to assess and evaluate the integration of small modular reactor (SMR) technology into commercial vessels, port infrastructure, and maritime operations.
Signed at the Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C., the agreement makes Long Beach the first seaport in the United States to formally explore what will be required to safely support SMR-powered commercial ships and next-generation clean energy systems.
Key Terms of the Partnership
Under the agreement, the Port of Long Beach and MARAD will collaborate with federal regulatory and energy authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The joint framework focuses on four critical operational pillars:
- Safety & Inspection Protocols: Developing standardized operating, security, and inspection procedures for SMR-powered commercial vessels calling at U.S. ports.
- Energy Resilience & Microgrids: Evaluating SMRs for onshore utility applications, high-capacity shore-power architecture, and microgrids to support port electrification.
- Regulatory Compliance: Establishing clear regulatory, liability, and insurance frameworks required for merchant vessel commercial operations.
- Workforce Development: Identifying specialized technical training programs needed for port and maritime personnel.
The Memorandum of Cooperation is a nonbinding study agreement that does not commit Port or federal funding, nor does it select or endorse a specific reactor developer or technology.
Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Long Beach, said “This first-of-its-kind partnership with MARAD allows us to leverage strong federal leadership and private sector innovation to catalyze SMR technology as we safely and securely support the next generation of shipping. We’re building the Port of the Future in Long Beach, where we’ve led in global trade by moving $300 billion in cargo annually to support 2.7 million American jobs, and we will continue our tradition of leadership as we partner to advance nuclear energy in maritime and beyond.”
Stephen M. Carmel, Maritime Administrator, MARAD, said “Under federal leadership, MARAD is taking decisive action to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding and secure our national energy dominance. This milestone agreement with the Port of Long Beach brings cutting-edge Small Modular Reactor technology into active testing. It ensures our maritime supply chains stay operational under any contingency while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”
Frank Colonna, President, Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, said “This 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.”
Supporting Long-Term Port Growth & Clean Energy Goals
The initiative aligns directly with the Port of Long Beach’s long-term infrastructure trajectory. As the port works toward its objective of doubling annual container throughput to 20 million TEUs by 2050, electricity demand across terminal operations, automated equipment, and shore-power berths is projected to increase substantially. SMR technology provides a potential continuous, zero-emission baseline power source to guarantee uninterrupted grid reliability.
The MOC also complements the port’s existing commercial partnerships, including an agreement with maritime technology firm BlueCore Energy Inc. to assemble, test, and store barge-mounted maritime power modules at the port.
While practical deployment of commercial SMR-powered ocean vessels remains years away, this study ensures that America’s leading Pacific trade gateway is prepared to lead the regulatory, environmental, and operational transitions of future maritime transport.
About Partners
- Port of Long Beach: As the premier trans-Pacific trade gateway, handling over $300 billion in cargo annually, the port serves as the primary municipal host and operational testing bed for the study. Long Beach is the first U.S. seaport to formally assess the infrastructure and safety requirements needed to receive commercial vessels powered by Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
- U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD): An agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, MARAD leads the federal effort to revitalize U.S. commercial shipbuilding and bolster maritime energy security. MARAD initiated the framework to explore U.S.-built, commercially viable SMR systems for the nation’s Marine Transportation System.
- U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Collaborates on vessel safety, maritime security protocols, crew certification standards, and port state control inspections for SMR-equipped commercial ships.
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Provides technical expertise on nuclear energy architecture, microgrid integration, and zero-emission shoreside power capabilities.
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC): Oversees safety standards, licensing frameworks, operating protocols, and radiation protection guidelines required for commercial nuclear applications.
- BlueCore Energy Inc.: A U.S. maritime nuclear technology company that recently secured a lease agreement with the Port of Long Beach to assemble, test, and store floating maritime power modules and barge-mounted SMR systems.
Source: POLB | DOT