The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Port of Corpus Christi have signed an agreement to partner on small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications.
The port will explore small modular reactors, microgrids, and advanced vessel propulsion systems as a way to test the latest innovations in SMRs. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the partnership will help revitalize U.S. shipbuilding and cut fuel costs. Duffy joined leaders from the port, as well as Maritime Administrator Stephen M. Carmel and U.S. Rep Michael Cloud (R-TX) for the signing.
“Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,” Duffy said. “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.”
Duffy said it was the second SMR agreement the department has signed since the SMR initiative was launched in May.
The Port of Corpus Christi is a major gateway for American energy, and the largest port for petroleum exports in the country. It is also a national leader in liquefied natural gas shipments, officials said. Since 2022, the port has seen an 81 percent increase in LNG exports.
“This agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi demonstrates that the leading energy port in the nation understands the significance of this technology,” Carmel said. “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.”
MARAD and the Port of Corpus Christi signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to work together to explore opportunities to advance energy systems including SMR technology, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, and other development opportunities.