A bill to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, by inserting a new title X to authorize aid in developing, constructing, and operating privately owned nuclear-powered merchant ships.

Authorizes Federal aid in developing, constructing, and operating privately owned nuclear-powered merchant ships.

Permits any citizen of the United States to apply to the Secretary of Commerce for such aid. Provides that such application shall include a detailed description of the ship, its use, construction, and cost as well as other necessary information.

Authorizes the Secretary to furnish aid to qualified applicants.

Includes in such aid (1) the excess cost of developing the proposed ship over the estimated cost of developing a comparable conventional ship; (2) waiver or reduction of Atomic Energy Commission charges for nuclear materials; (3) assistance in training the crew; (4) conducting studies of and assisting in planning and designing appropriate shore facilities to service the ships; (5) making available certain classified information; (6) providing research and development in Government laboratories; and (7) providing design review services, ship construction inspection services, and ship operational advisory service.