The American Bureau of Shipping and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance nuclear power in commercial shipping, including nuclear-powered vessels, floating power plants and supporting infrastructure.

The agreement sets a framework for concept and feasibility studies on floating nuclear power systems and nuclear transportation corridors, and will examine what a U.S. shipbuilding industry would need to build, operate and maintain nuclear-powered vessels. ABS will co-manage the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group and coordinate work through MARAD’s U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation.

“Advanced nuclear technology is moving from concept to application, and the maritime industry needs to be ready for it,” said ABS Chairman and CEO John McDonald. The MOU does not name a specific vessel project or deployment schedule.

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