U.S. Shipbuilding and Commercial Maritime Industries Legislation Introduced

Image: U.S. Merchant Marine.

On Dec. 19, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN), along with Congressmen John Garamendi (D-CA) and Trent Kelly (R-MS) introduced the SHIPS for America Act in response to a perceived need to bolster America’s maritime industry.

The bill aims to authorize the U.S. Merchant Marine to transport vital goods and military cargo during times of conflict while reinforcing American supply chains in peacetime. 

Currently, about 80 U.S.-flagged ships are engaged in international commerce compared to over 5,500 China-flagged vessels, and U.S. shipyards’ growing industrial base cannot produce oceangoing vessels at scale, the officials said in a statement.

“In addition to this supply chain gap, there is an increasing demand for qualified mariners,” they said in the statement. “This legislation entails a comprehensive strategy to address these critical disparities.”

The SHIPS Act, according to the four men, seeks to “ensure national oversight and consistent funding for the maritime industry, enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, rebuild the U.S. shipyard base, and expand efforts to recruit, train and retain skilled mariners and shipyard workers.”

“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,” Garamendi said.

“I have spent (more than) 10 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,” he continued. “This bill represents the most substantial and comprehensive approach to have America compete and lead globally.”

The introduction of this bill represents a strategic effort to rebuild the U.S. maritime industry, securing both national security and global competitiveness, the legislators said in a statement. With China’s growing influence in the global maritime sector, strengthening the U.S. Merchant Marine is essential for maintaining U.S. dominance in international commerce.

“In times of conflict, the U.S. Merchant Marine will be vital for transporting goods and military cargo, while in peacetime, it will fortify supply chains and ensure economic resilience,” they said.