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.

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.