Bluecore Energy has purchased low-enriched uranium for its first maritime nuclear energy system, marking progress in its plans to develop floating nuclear power technology.
The US company acquired uranium hexafluoride (UF₆), enriched to 4.95% uranium-235, from WMC. The material is currently stored at a nuclear fuel facility outside California. It will support future fuel production, testing and validation.
The purchase follows Bluecore’s recent US$50 million seed financing. The company is also working with US regulators and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as it develops its first system.
Bluecore advances regulatory and certification work
Bluecore began preliminary discussions with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in August 2026. The company presented its initial design and discussed the regulatory requirements for future deployment. The US Coast Guard also participated in the meeting.
In June, Bluecore received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ABS for its floating nuclear power plant design. According to the company, this was the first such approval for a US-designed floating nuclear power plant.
The approval provides a framework for further technical development. However, it does not represent final certification or permission to operate.
Bluecore is now progressing with engineering, fuel qualification and safety assessments. These activities will support the next stages of testing and regulatory review.
Floating nuclear power for ports and coastal facilities
Bluecore is developing its technology at its headquarters within the Port of Long Beach. The company is currently working on a reactor module prototype that does not contain nuclear fuel.
Its compact, water-cooled systems are being designed for installation on floating platforms. Potential applications include electricity supply for ports, coastal infrastructure and data centers.
However, any future deployment will require regulatory approvals and site-specific safety assessments.
Bluecore confirmed that it does not operate an active nuclear reactor or store nuclear fuel at its Port of Long Beach headquarters.
The company has not announced a commercial deployment date.
