Request for Information: Development of a Commercially Viable System-Centric Small Modular Reactor Concept for Deployment in the Marine Transportation System

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. submits a detailed response to the RFI, expressing strong support for the development of a maritime nuclear ecosystem. They advocate for the use of their KRONOS microreactor and provide specific technical, safety, and regulatory recommendations to facilitate the commercial deployment of nuclear-powered vessels and floating power plants.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. supports MARAD's system-first approach to maritime nuclear propulsion and proposes a seven-year "Maritime Nuclear Pathfinder" program. They recommend evaluating a maritime derivative of their KRONOS MMR Energy System for a new-build, U.S.-flagged logistics vessel to validate a repeatable operating system.

The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company (HSB) is providing information on its inspection, engineering, and quality assurance services to support the development of maritime small modular reactors (SMRs). They argue that utilizing existing nuclear construction codes and a qualified workforce of boiler and pressure vessel inspectors will provide a clear safety basis and a ready infrastructure for the maritime nuclear industry.

The UAP Coalition Netherlands (UAPCNL) supports the development of marine Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) but argues that the "system-centric" approach must explicitly include "Security-by-Design" to address unconventional aerial and maritime hazards (UAPs/USOs). They recommend integrating multi-modal anomaly detection sensors into reactor designs and establishing standardized reporting protocols to ensure commercial viability and public trust.

Prof. Giorgio Locatelli of Politecnico di Milano provides a research-based response supporting the development of maritime SMRs, emphasizing the "economy of multiples" through serial production. He argues that the program should focus on high-speed liner trades and prioritize fleet-level licensing and manufacturing standards to ensure commercial viability.

Kyle J. Arestivo, a port engineer and former nuclear engineering professional, argues that the commercial viability of maritime SMRs depends on a robust operational and maintenance ecosystem rather than just reactor technology. He recommends that MARAD incorporate specific metrics for maintainability, industrial base readiness, and workforce development into its evaluation framework.

The commenter provides a comprehensive technical and regulatory roadmap for the development of commercially viable SMR-powered vessels. They argue that success depends on a system-level approach involving standardization, clear liability frameworks, workforce development, and international regulatory harmonization rather than just reactor technology alone.

A collaboration of former Navy personnel, shipping experts, nuclear consultants, and a maritime advisory firm submitted a series of 37 technical questions regarding the RFI. They are seeking clarification on regulatory coordination, funding, fleet operations, workforce training, and fuel cycle logistics for maritime small modular reactors.

The authors, representing NuCon Company and Texas A&M University, provide a technical analysis and a structured Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework specifically for maritime nuclear applications. They argue that land-based reactor maturity is insufficient for maritime use and advocate for a rigorous, engineering-driven methodology to assess the feasibility of small modular reactors in marine environments.