(CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas) — U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy on Wednesday was joined by Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel, U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, and leaders from the Port of Corpus Christi to kick off a new partnership focused on small modular reactor (SMR) technology for maritime applications. By testing the latest innovations in SMRs, the department can help revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, cut fuel costs, and restore America’s maritime dominance.
This is the second agreement the department has signed since Duffy launched the SMR initiative in May.
As the United States’ largest port for petroleum exports and a national leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, the Port of Corpus Christi is a major gateway for American energy. The port has seen an 81 percent increase in LNG exports since 2022.
“Small modular reactors have the potential to reshape America’s maritime sector, lower shipping costs, and bolster our supply chains,” said Duffy. “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.”
“This agreement with the Port of Corpus Christi demonstrates that the leading energy port in the nation understands the significance of this technology,” said Carmel. “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.”
Through a memorandum of cooperation, the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the Port of Corpus Christi agreed to work together to explore opportunities to advance maritime energy systems, including through the potential integration of SMR technologies, resilient port microgrids, shoreside power architecture, infrastructure capable of supporting emerging vessel propulsion concepts, and related workforce development opportunities.
– U.S. Department of Transportation
