The Port of Corpus Christi commission approved a memorandum of cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Division on Aug. 18, agreeing to explore floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered vessels at U.S. seaports. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy visited the port on Aug. 19 to sign the agreement, joined by U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud. The signing is part of a small modular reactor initiative the department launched in May.
Under the memorandum, the port will study the technical, regulatory and operational requirements for seaports to deploy floating nuclear power plants and to accommodate nuclear-propelled civil vessels in safe harbor, according to the memo presented to the commission. The port will also work with partners to advance acceptance of the technology in the maritime industry, contribute to a port acceptance and inspection regime, and engage with local stakeholders. The memo describes the deal as a voluntary statement of intent that does not commit either side to fund a project.
Feasibility study with Core Power Inc.
The port's feasibility study, done in collaboration with Core Power Inc., a Delaware corporation, will examine site characterization and suitability, regulatory considerations and grid integration for floating nuclear power plants. It will separately cover safety and security requirements and regulatory considerations for nuclear-propelled vessels.
What Duffy said
Duffy said small modular reactors could reshape the maritime sector, lower shipping costs and strengthen supply chains, according to a Department of Transportation news release. "Maritime dominance starts with rebuilding America's fleet with this state-of-the-art technology," he said. The release described the Port of Corpus Christi as "a major gateway for American energy," pointing to its petroleum exports and liquefied natural gas shipments.
