American Bureau of Shipping and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue modern commercial nuclear technology at sea, MarineLink reported on 12 October 2026.
The memorandum commits the two parties to cooperation across a range of maritime nuclear applications, with the reported scope focusing on floating power solutions, nuclear‑powered vessels and the development of ports to support such systems.
The move formalises an arrangement intended to coordinate expertise and planning between a classification and technical organisation and a federal nuclear office, according to the MarineLink account of the agreement.
The parties have identified three broad areas for advancement: the siting and operation of floating nuclear power, the design and deployment of nuclear‑powered merchant or service vessels, and port infrastructure capable of handling the requirements of such technologies.
Those topics span engineering, regulatory and logistical considerations and suggest a cross‑sector dialogue that would involve industry, government and shore‑based infrastructure providers.
Floating power solutions
Floating power systems were explicitly listed within the memorandum’s scope, signalling interest in sea‑based generation platforms as part of the collaboration. The agreement frames those systems alongside vessel and port development as complementary strands of activity.
Work on floating power is likely to touch on maritime suitability, connection to shore grids and arrangements for siting and support, although the memorandum itself, as reported, states the thematic areas rather than prescribing technical schedules or particular projects.
Nuclear‑powered vessels and ports
Nuclear‑powered vessels are singled out in the memorandum as another area for joint attention, with port development identified as the shore‑side counterpart to vessel deployment. The pairing of vessel and port work reflects the interdependence of ship design and shore infrastructure.
Precise port locations, timelines and project partners were not detailed in the report; the published notice confines itself to the scope of collaboration rather than to operational plans or commitments of funding.
The memorandum between the American Bureau of Shipping and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy marks a formal step towards coordinated examination of commercial maritime nuclear options. By setting out areas of mutual interest, it creates a framework within which more detailed work may be undertaken, subject to subsequent agreements and regulatory approvals.
MarineLink’s report presents the MOU as an initial vehicle for cooperation; it does not present further particulars of joint programmes, procurement or deployment. For now the record is limited to the parties’ stated intent to advance modern commercial nuclear technology at sea and the three principal themes encompassed by the agreement.
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