The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance commercial maritime applications of advanced nuclear technology.
Announced by ABS on 12 October 2026, the agreement covers floating nuclear power solutions, nuclear-powered vessels and the port, shipyard and industrial infrastructure needed to develop and sustain such assets.
Feasibility studies and maritime nuclear corridors
The cooperation will prioritise concept and feasibility studies for floating nuclear power systems and nuclear transportation corridors. It will also support efforts to establish a U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industrial base capable of safely constructing and operating nuclear-powered assets.
ABS will coordinate relevant work through the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation (USCMI), where ABS serves as Secretariat. Under the MOU, the classification society will also co-manage the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group (MNAG), contributing technical, regulatory, economic and policy expertise to studies and interagency cooperation.
Preparing commercial shipping for advanced nuclear technology
John McDonald, ABS Chairman and CEO, said the maritime sector must prepare as advanced nuclear technologies move closer to practical applications. He described the agreement as a framework for expanding existing collaboration and examining how nuclear technology could become a safe and viable commercial option at sea.
Ted Garrish, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, highlighted the potential of advanced nuclear technology to reshape commercial maritime markets and create opportunities for American innovation, drawing on decades of nuclear experience.
ABS has already published classification rules for floating nuclear power plants and awarded approvals in principle for several nuclear-related concepts. The newly signed MOU advances research and cooperation; it does not announce the construction or regulatory approval of a specific nuclear-powered merchant vessel.
Source: ABS official press release, 12 October 2026. Photo: ABS (Ted Garrish and John McDonald).
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