WHITE HOUSE UNVEILS MARITIME ACTION PLAN TO STRENGTHEN U.S. SHIPPING

On April 9, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order aimed at revitalizing the United States’ maritime industry and restoring the nation’s maritime dominance. This initiative introduces several strategic measures to bolster the U.S. shipbuilding sector and enhance national security.

MARITIME ACTION PLAN (MAP)

The order mandates the creation of the MAP to develop specific strategies for rejuvenating the U.S. maritime industry. This plan seeks to address challenges posed by previous government procurement processes and over-regulation that have hindered timely and cost-effective vessel construction. The MAP is scheduled to be published within 180 days of the executive order’s signing. ​

DEFENSE PRODUCTION ACT UTILIZATION

The Secretary of Defense is instructed to explore options, including invoking Title III of the Defense Production Act, to invest in and expand the Maritime Industrial Base. This move aims to leverage existing authorities to stimulate both public and private investments in the maritime sector. ​

ADDRESSING ANTICOMPETITIVE PRACTICES

The U.S. Trade Representative is tasked with recommending actions to counteract China’s anticompetitive behaviors within the shipbuilding industry. Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security is directed to enforce the collection of the Harbor Maintenance Fee and other charges on foreign cargo entering the United States, preventing circumvention through neighboring countries. ​

MARITIME SECURITY TRUST FUND

The establishment of this fund aims to provide consistent financial support for maritime programs, complemented by a shipbuilding financial incentives program designed to encourage private investment in U.S. shipbuilding. ​

MARITIME PROSPERITY ZONES

Modeled after the Opportunity Zone concept, these zones are intended to attract investment in waterfront communities, fostering economic growth and development in these areas. ​

MARINER TRAINING & EDUCATION

The executive order calls for increased investment in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and plans to expand training opportunities, aiming to enhance the skills and readiness of the maritime workforce. ​

FLEET EXPANSION

To ensure national economic security, the U.S. government plans to increase the fleet of commercial vessels operating under the U.S. flag, both internationally and domestically between ports. ​

ARCTIC WATERWAYS STRATEGY

The MAP will develop strategies to secure and lead Arctic waterways, addressing the growing presence of foreign nations in the region and reestablishing U.S. influence. ​

INACTIVE RESERVE FLEET REVIEW

The Secretary of Defense is directed to review and provide guidance on funding, retaining, supporting, and mobilizing a robust inactive reserve fleet to ensure adequate sealift capacity for military operations.

This executive order underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the U.S. maritime industry, which has seen a decline over the past decades. Currently, the U.S. accounts for only 0.2% of global ship production, while China produces 74%. Additionally, the U.S. does not manufacture containers or ship-to-shore cranes domestically, with China producing 96% and 80% of these, respectively. ​By implementing these measures, the administration aims to bolster the U.S. maritime sector, enhance national security, and reduce reliance on foreign-built maritime equipment.​

FACT SHEET: PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP RESTORES AMERICA’S MARITIME DOMINANCE