U.S. Coast Guard Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Nuclear Energy

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 new civil marine nuclear technologies, including vessels with nuclear power plants, floating nuclear power stations, and other marine nuclear projects.

The agreement establishes a framework for oversight of the design, construction, operation, and subsequent decommissioning of civil marine nuclear projects established in 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 retains responsibility for licensing nuclear reactors and overseeing radiation safety and security, including reviewing reactor design decisions and conducting inspections.

The USCG will continue to oversee inspections of vessels and marine facilities, safety and security at sea, as well as compliance with marine transportation and environmental regulations.

The memorandum applies to civil commercial, industrial, research, and testing projects related to nuclear reactors installed on vessels or marine facilities under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard.

The new agreement replaces a previous memorandum between the USCG and the former Atomic Energy Commission that was in effect since December 6, 1973, reflecting the growing interest in modern nuclear technologies for marine applications.

It is worth noting that in a similar initiative in May, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) launched a new initiative to promote the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) in commercial shipping.