The Port of Long Beach has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to explore the potential deployment of small modular reactor (SMR) technology at the port.
The agreement forms part of a wider push to modernise American port energy infrastructure.
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The agreement will see both parties examine opportunities to advance maritime energy systems, including the possible integration of SMR technologies, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, and infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion concepts, alongside related workforce development initiatives.
Dr Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Long Beach, said: “This first-of-its-kind partnership with MARAD allows us to leverage strong federal leadership and private sector innovation to catalyse SMR technology as we safely and securely support the next generation of shipping.
“We’re building the Port of the Future in Long Beach, where we’ve led in global trade by moving $300 billion in cargo annually to support 2.7 million American jobs, and we will continue our tradition of leadership as we partner to advance nuclear energy in maritime and beyond.”
The partnership forms part of a broader federal effort to strengthen the resilience of US maritime supply chains, with SMR technology positioned as a potential means of ensuring port operations can continue under a range of contingencies, including disruptions to conventional energy supplies.
Stephen Carmel, Maritime Administrator, MARAD, stated: “Under President Trump’ and Secretary Duffy’s leadership, MARAD is taking decisive action to revitalise US shipbuilding and secure our national energy dominance. This milestone agreement with the Port of Long Beach brings cutting-edge Small Modular Reactor technology into active testing. It ensures our maritime supply chains stay operational under any contingency while training the next generation of high-skilled American mariners.”
For the Port of Long Beach, the collaboration builds on its existing decarbonisation and infrastructure investment programmes, and signals an intent to position the port at the forefront of next-generation energy systems as terminal operators across the US weigh up long-term power resilience alongside emissions targets.
Workforce development will also form part of the collaboration, with both parties expected to explore training opportunities tied to the introduction of nuclear-adjacent technologies at the port level, an area that will require new technical skill sets among port and terminal personnel.
Neither MARAD nor the Port of Long Beach has set a timeline for when SMR technology might be tested or deployed at the port, with the MOC instead framed as a foundation for further joint exploration.