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DOT to Launch Nuclear Reactor Testing at Port of Long Beach

The Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration will execute its first-ever agreement with the Port of Long Beach to evaluate small modular reactors for commercial shipping and port operations. A formal announcement is scheduled for Wednesday at DOT headquarters in Washington.

The initiative will examine SMR applications for both vessel propulsion and stationary power generation at the busiest U.S. container port.

Bluecore Energy, a Port of Long Beach-based startup, separately announced it has secured $10 million in funding to develop floating, barge-mounted SMRs designed to supply power to port facilities and eventually cargo vessels. The company has already delivered its initial test barge and reactor unit and is currently refining components while managing engineering, regulatory, and classification requirements.

Port of Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson has publicly supported the project.