The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to coordinate the regulation of emerging civilian maritime nuclear technologies, including nuclear-powered vessels, floating nuclear power plants, and other marine-based nuclear projects.
The agreement establishes a framework for overseeing the design, construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of civilian maritime nuclear projects installed within the U.S. marine transportation system. It aims to streamline licensing while ensuring public health, safety, security, and environmental protection.
Under the agreement, the NRC will retain responsibility for licensing nuclear reactors and overseeing radiological safety and security, including reviewing reactor designs and conducting inspections.
The USCG will continue to oversee vessel and maritime facility inspections, maritime safety and security, and compliance with marine transportation and environmental regulations.
Fostering communication and cooperation between the Parties.
Clarifying agency roles and responsibilities.
Coordinating schedules, key milestones, and joint technical reviews.
Coordinating safety, security, and environmental protection efforts.
Promoting consistent requirements to ensure adequate public health and safety for CMNPs.
The MOU applies to civilian commercial, industrial, research, and testing projects involving nuclear reactors installed on vessels or maritime facilities under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction.
The new agreement replaces a previous memorandum between the USCG and the former Atomic Energy Commission that had been in effect since December 6, 1973, reflecting the growing interest in advanced nuclear technologies for maritime applications.
To remind, in a similar initiative in May, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) launched a new initiative to advance the use of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) in commercial shipping.