Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Representative John Garamendi (D-Calif.), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) have introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act. The legislation aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries, which legislators say have been weakened by decades of neglect.
The bipartisan proposal seeks to address challenges in the maritime sector, including reduced shipbuilding capacity, a shrinking commercial shipping fleet, and diminished support capabilities for the U.S. military during wartime. The SHIPS for America Act outlines measures to restore American maritime leadership through national oversight, consistent funding, workforce development, and incentives for domestic shipbuilding.
The SHIPS for America Act includes several provisions aimed at coordinating U.S. maritime policy, expanding the U.S.-flagged international fleet, enhancing the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, and growing the shipyard industrial base. The legistlation establishes the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House to lead an interagency Maritime Security Board and oversee the implementation of a National Maritime Strategy. A Maritime Security Trust Fund would be created to reinvest industry fees into maritime security programs and infrastructure. The act sets a goal of increasing the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships within 10 years through the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would support the development of U.S.-flagged, American-crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels for international commerce.
To enhance competitiveness, the legislation proposes a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards to streamline the U.S. Coast Guard’s regulatory process. It also mandates that government-funded cargo be transported on U.S.-flag vessels and requires a portion of goods imported from China to be moved on U.S.-flag vessels by 2029. The act further seeks to expand the shipyard industrial base by establishing a 25% investment tax credit for shipyard improvements, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and introducing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovation in domestic shipbuilding and repair.
Additionally, the Act emphasizes innovation in ship design, manufacturing, and energy systems by creating the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation, which would establish regional hubs across the country. Workforce development is another major focus, with the launch of a Maritime and Shipbuilding Recruiting Campaign, the introduction of a Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, and investments in infrastructure for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and State Maritime Academies. The legislation also includes measures to streamline the Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.
“We’ve always been a maritime nation, but the truth is we’ve lost ground to China, who now dominates international shipping and can build merchant and military ships much more quickly than we can,” said Kelly, a Navy veteran and the first U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress. “The SHIPS for America Act is the answer to this challenge. By supporting shipbuilding, shipping, and workforce development, it will strengthen supply chains, reduce our reliance on foreign vessels, put Americans to work in good-paying jobs, and support the Navy and Coast Guard’s shipbuilding needs. I’m excited to introduce this comprehensive, fully paid-for legislation today alongside my Republican and Democratic colleagues and our partners representing all parts of the industry, and together we’re going to work to get this effort across the finish line.”
“America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth,” said Sen. Young. “Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion. Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China.”
“For far too long, the United States neglected our maritime industries and the critical role they play in our national and economic security – this ends with the SHIPS for America Act. I have spent over ten years working to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry in order to strengthen our national economy, create good-paying American jobs, and support our national security during peacetime or war. This bill represents the most substantial and comprehensive approach to have America compete and lead globally, and I’m proud to lead it alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly. Today, less than 200 oceangoing ships fly the American flag, the SHIPS for America Act will empower our shipyards and marine merchants to uphold our country’s status as a leader in the maritime industry,” said Rep. Garamendi.
“Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to both our national security and economic resilience. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Congressman John Garamendi to secure our nation’s maritime future,” said Rep. Kelly.
The legislators emphasize that this comprehensive proposal is designed to bolster U.S. national security, economic resilience, and global competitiveness in the maritime sector.
The legislative text can be seen here.
The SHIPS for America Act has been endorsed by the following organizaitons:
Shipbuilders Council of America, American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association, American Association of Port Authorities, National Defense Transportation Association, American Maritime Partnership, USA Maritime, American Maritime Congress, American Waterway Operators, National Association of Waterfront Employers, Marine Machinery Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Compass, Maritime Accelerator of Resilience, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, New American Industrial Alliance, Consortium of State Maritime Academies, Philly Shipyard, General Dynamics NASSCO, Govini, U.S. Marine Management LLC, Pasha Hawaii, Ocean Shipholdings, American President Lines, Tote Inc., Saltchuk Marine, TMA Blue Tech Inc., Blue Water Autonomy, Seafarers International, American Maritime Officers, United Steelworkers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, California State University Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy, Small Shipyard Grant Coalition, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Offshore Marine Services Association, Chamber of Shipping of America, AFL-CIO, International Propeller Club, Ports America, Transportation Institute, Navy League of the United States, Oceantic Network, American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association, Inc., USMMA Alumni Association, OPA 90 Forum, Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Crowley, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, Maersk Line Limited, Farrell Lines, Matson, Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Waterman Logistics, Fairwater, U.S. Ocean Inc., LS GreenLink USA, Inc., International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, RBC Logistics, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, American Maritime Officers Service, Great Lakes Maritime Academy, Texas A&M Maritime Academy, San Jacinto College, Senesco Marine, Patriot Maritime, Tri-Tec Manufacturing LLC, Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC, Liberty Maritime, Northeast Maritime Institute, Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
