President Donald Trump’s administration is touting a two-pronged strategy to push domestic manufacturing and offset Chinese dominance, as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, as well as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, showcase domestic steel and nuclear-powered cargo vessels.
Nuclear-Powered Vessels With Unlimited Range
In a video posted on the social media platform X on Saturday, Duffy said that the Department of Transportation (DOT) was fast-tracking the construction of a new fleet of vessels that will help “dominate China” in the sector.
Duffy said the planned nuclear-powered cargo ships would have more cargo capacity because they would not need conventional fuel tanks, could offer crossings up to 75% faster and operate for 20 years without refueling. He also touted a 2028 timeline. “The first NUCLEAR-POWERED vessel is set to be built in 2028,” he said.
Duffy had earlier shared details about incorporating small modular nuclear reactors for commercial shipping, with the U.S. Maritime Administration, or MARAD, seeking industry’s input on how Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could help commercial cargo fleets.
