ABS, U.S. Energy Department Team Up on Nuclear-Powered Ships

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have signed an agreement to advance the use of nuclear power in commercial shipping, including nuclear-powered vessels, floating power plants and the infrastructure needed to support them.

The memorandum of understanding, signed with DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, establishes a framework for joint work on advanced nuclear technologies and their potential maritime applications. The effort will also examine what would be required to develop a U.S. shipbuilding industry capable of constructing, operating and maintaining nuclear-powered vessels and offshore facilities.

Under the agreement, ABS and DOE will pursue concept