CORE POWER and the Port of Corpus Christi Authority will study what is needed for nuclear-powered commercial ships to safely call at the port.
The companies have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration covering a site-specific assessment of future nuclear vessel operations at the major US energy gateway.
The study will examine how nuclear-powered ships could transit to the port, berth and carry out routine operations.
It will consider areas including port safety, security, emergency preparedness, cargo handling, liability and classification requirements.
The parties will also examine the roles of US and international maritime and nuclear authorities in supporting future vessel calls.
CORE POWER said the work would help identify the infrastructure and regulatory requirements needed to make nuclear-powered commercial shipping practical.
CORE POWER Also Studies Floating Nuclear Power
Alongside the shipping work, the study will assess the potential use of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) to provide electricity to the port and regional customers.
This part of the work will consider potential sites, grid connections, mooring arrangements, environmental requirements, safety and long-term operations.
CORE POWER is developing floating nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered commercial ships as part of its maritime nuclear business.
Port of Corpus Christi Builds Nuclear Readiness
The Port of Corpus Christi said the study will help it understand how emerging nuclear technologies could affect future port operations and competitiveness.
The port is separately working with the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration on requirements for US ports to accommodate floating nuclear power plants and civil nuclear-powered vessels.
The CORE POWER study is preliminary and does not approve a nuclear vessel call, select a reactor technology or commit the port to construction or investment.
CORE POWER CEO Mikal Bøe said the port provides a real operating environment to assess the requirements for nuclear-powered shipping.
