The plan follows President Donald J. Trump’s April 9, 2025, executive order directing federal agencies to develop a strategy to restore U.S. maritime competitiveness. The document describes a whole-of-government approach aimed at reversing decades of decline in commercial shipbuilding and addressing supply chain and national security concerns. 

According to the report, the United States builds less than 1% of global commercial ships. It cites a domestic industrial base that includes 66 shipyards, with only eight capable of constructing vessels longer than 400 feet. 

The plan is organized around four pillars:  

• Rebuilding shipbuilding capacity 

• Reforming workforce education and training  

• Protecting the maritime industrial base 

• Strengthening national and economic security 

To expand shipbuilding capacity, the administration proposes modernizing shipyard infrastructure, increasing access to federal financing tools and creating incentives for private investment. Recommendations include expanding eligibility under the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program, increasing funding for small shipyard grants and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program. 

The report also calls for the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones, modeled on federal Opportunity Zones, to attract private capital to waterfront and maritime industrial areas. Up to 100 zones could be designated for 10-year periods. 

Among the more significant revenue proposals is the creation of a Maritime Security Trust Fund to provide long-term funding for shipbuilding and workforce initiatives. The fund could be supported in part by a proposed fee on foreign-built commercial vessels entering U.S. ports, assessed based on the weight of imported cargo. 

The plan also recommends establishing a Land Port Maintenance Tax of 0.125% on goods entering the United States through land ports of entry, creating a trust fund to support border infrastructure and balance funding between maritime and land gateways. 

To grow the U.S.-flagged fleet, the administration proposes creating a Strategic Commercial Fleet composed of internationally trading, U.S.-built vessels that would receive construction and operating support. It also calls for expanding cargo preference requirements and modifying eligibility rules to accelerate fleet growth. 

Workforce development is another central focus. The report outlines measures to modernize the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, address deferred maintenance at its Kings Point campus and expand support for state maritime academies. It recommends creating a Mariner Incentive Program to support recruitment, training and retention, as well as streamlining credentialing processes through the U.S. Coast Guard. 

The plan highlights existing workforce initiatives, including Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education, accelerated defense manufacturing programs and registered apprenticeships. It recommends scaling those efforts and tying workforce funding more closely to shipbuilding contracts. 

On the procurement side, the administration calls for expanded use of multiyear and multivessel contracting, broader adoption of commercial vessel designs and greater use of alternative acquisition authorities to reduce delays and costs. It also supports increased use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing and digital design tools. 

The strategy addresses international competition, referencing a Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. While certain responsive trade actions have been suspended for one year following a bilateral agreement reached in October 2025, the administration said it will continue consultations with China and coordinate with allies including Japan and South Korea. 

The plan also calls for enhanced Arctic maritime presence, expanded polar icebreaking capabilities and development of designated testing areas for autonomous and robotic vessels within the U.S. exclusive economic zone. 

The Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Department of Transportation, is directed to develop legislative proposals to support long-term funding mechanisms and implement elements of the plan. 

The report concludes that sustained investment, regulatory reform and predictable demand signals will be necessary to rebuild the nation’s maritime industrial base and support both commercial trade and national defense requirements. 

Photo credit: Joseph Whittington