US transportation secretary Sean Duffy and the Maritime Administration (Marad) have launched an initiative to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) for commercial shipping.

As a first step, Marad is calling on innovators and industry stakeholders to help develop an SMR model that revitalises US shipbuilding, cuts costs and secures energy dominance.

A request for information (RFI) is seeking input to deploy reliable, high-power energy to allow commercial ships to travel farther and faster.

The RFI says SMRs will largely eliminate fuel costs and reduce maintenance requirements. Tey will also increase national security by reinforcing US supply chains and securing energy independence to bolster national defence.