The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the US Department of Energy’s (DoE) Office of Nuclear Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the deployment of commercial nuclear technology at sea.

The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework to transition next-generation nuclear technology from concept to real-world maritime application. The scope of the agreement covers three core pillars:

• Floating power solutions – exploring nuclear energy systems mounted on floating platforms to provide offshore or coastal power.
• Nuclear-powered vessels – developing technology and designs for commercial shipping vessels propelled by advanced nuclear reactors.
• Infrastructure & industrial base – strengthening the supply chain by modernising ports, shipyards, and the industrial infrastructure needed to safely build, operate and maintain maritime nuclear assets.

ABS and the DoE will co-manage the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group (MNAG), originally formed in 2023 as an informal collaborative research hub by the National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory, ABS and the legal firm Morgan, Lewis, & Bockius LLP.

While MNAG spent its first few years operating primarily as a laboratory-led working group to study legal, technical and regulatory hurdles, it has now been formally integrated into the federal maritime strategy through the MoU and will be co-managed directly by the DoE and ABS.

ABS will provide vital technical, regulatory, economic and policy support and will work with the DoE to foster inter-agency coordination to develop a viable US maritime nuclear sector. Immediate operational priorities include:

• conducting feasibility and concept studies for floating nuclear power and nuclear transportation corridors
• fostering inter-agency coordination to scale up a viable, safe US maritime nuclear shipbuilding sector
• coordinating efforts through the US Maritime Administration's US Center for Maritime Innovation, where ABS acts as Secretariat.

“Advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to application, and the maritime industry needs to be ready for it,” said John McDonald, ABS chairman and CEO. “This agreement with DoE reflects the depth of work already under way and provides a framework to go further…. We are well-positioned to help turn this technology into a safe, real and practical option for commercial maritime applications.”

Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish noted: “Advanced nuclear technology has the potential to transform the commercial maritime industry and open new markets for American innovation. The Department of Energy’s partnership with the American Bureau of Shipping will help explore how we can build on decades of experience to safely bring next-generation nuclear technologies to the maritime sector and position America to lead this emerging industry.”