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Corpus Christi Joins Maritime Nuclear Drive

[ August 28, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Port of Corpus Christi have signed an agreement to explore small modular reactor technology for maritime applications, making Corpus Christi the second major U.S. port to join the Maritime Administration’s developing nuclear maritime initiative.

Under a memorandum of cooperation signed Aug. 19, MARAD and Corpus Christi will explore potential integration of small modular reactors, or SMRs, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power systems and infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion technologies. The agreement also covers related workforce development.

It follows an earlier MARAD agreement with the Port of Long Beach covering similar technologies, including SMRs, port microgrids, shoreside power infrastructure and advanced vessel propulsion concepts.

“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,” Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel said.

Corpus Christi, the largest U.S. port for petroleum exports and a major liquefied natural gas gateway, gives the federal initiative an operating environment centered on energy exports and Gulf Coast industrial infrastructure. Long Beach, by comparison, is one of the nation’s largest container gateways.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy launched the maritime SMR initiative in May, positioning development of the technology as part of the administration’s broader effort to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and maritime capabilities.

Small modular reactors are designed to provide nuclear generating capacity at a smaller scale than conventional nuclear power plants. Potential maritime applications range from supplying reliable electricity for port operations and shoreside power to supporting future nuclear vessel propulsion.

Despite the administration’s description of the initiative as involving testing of nuclear-powered vessels, the agreements announced to date are exploratory. The Corpus Christi agreement does not authorize construction or deployment of an SMR or nuclear-powered vessel.

Tags: Port of Corpus Christi, U.S. Department of Transportation