Bluecore Energy, led by CEO Kofi Asante, is advancing plans to deploy a small nuclear reactor on a barge near the Port of Long Beach as part of a broader U.S. initiative to integrate nuclear power into maritime operations. Federal and local officials have provided significant support to help the company navigate regulatory challenges, underscoring a coordinated government effort to expand offshore nuclear energy applications.
The project forms a component of a recently signed agreement between the Port of Long Beach and the U.S. Maritime Administration aimed at establishing carbon-free offshore nuclear power. This effort is part of a nationwide push to incorporate nuclear power into shipping, with the ultimate goal of powering ports and private cargo vessels using advanced nuclear technology. Small modular reactors, like the one Bluecore is developing, are viewed as a way to reduce emissions and enhance shipping efficiency.
Multiple federal agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Coast Guard, and the departments of Energy, Interior, and Transportation, have collaborated in setting the regulatory groundwork necessary for the commercial deployment of nuclear-powered vessels. In recent months, the Transportation Department announced a framework agreement with the British firm Core Power, which is exploring whether ports such as the one in Texas can accommodate floating nuclear reactors and prepare for nuclear-powered merchant ships. Core Power aims to begin construction of these vessels by 2028, emphasizing the advantages of nuclear propulsion in terms of speed and extended operation without refueling.
The Energy Department and the American Bureau of Shipping also signed an agreement in mid-October to advance regulatory standards and explore maritime nuclear possibilities, including sea routes for nuclear-powered ships and floating power plants. These efforts seek to establish safety protocols given the unique challenges posed by operating reactors on moving vessels. The NRC is leading reactor safety oversight and has initiated early discussions about using nuclear barges to power offshore oil platforms.
Although nuclear propulsion technology has long been used in naval submarines and aircraft carriers, its adoption in commercial shipping remains nascent. The timeline to develop a fully operational fleet of nuclear-powered cargo ships remains uncertain. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently noted the priority is to establish a clear regulatory framework before commercialization can proceed.
Geopolitical considerations also factor into U.S. efforts, as China and Russia have already developed operational floating nuclear reactors and are investing in nuclear-powered vessels. The current U.S. administration has articulated a maritime action plan focused on revitalizing the nuclear industry, partly to support energy demands from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Industry experts acknowledge technical challenges are less significant than regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles. Christopher Rabalais, head of the Coast Guard’s office of design and engineering standards, indicated the agency is prepared to accept applications for nuclear vessels but expects extended review periods due to the novelty of the technology.
Proponents highlight that nuclear-powered ships can operate faster and for longer durations than conventional vessels, with the added benefit of reducing carbon emissions in line with international decarbonization goals. Small modular reactors promise enhanced safety and operational efficiency, leveraging abundant seawater for cooling.
If successful, these initiatives could mark a transformative shift in maritime transport, combining nuclear innovation with environmental objectives and national strategic interests.