President Donald Trump’s executive order earlier this year, titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” laid out a bold plan to counter China’s overwhelming influence in global maritime trade. The order established the Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a government-wide strategy involving Defense, Transportation, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Labor, designed to boost U.S. shipbuilding, develop a skilled workforce, and foster private investment. The MAP aims to address the decline of America’s maritime presence—currently building less than 1% of the world’s commercial vessels—by creating regional shipbuilding hubs and providing targeted incentives.

The proposed legislation complements these efforts by imposing duties on vessels owned or operated by nations of concern—such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea—and offering a 25% tax credit for shipyard investments. The goal is to grow the U.S. fleet significantly, helping to restore the industry’s global competitiveness and strategic importance.

Supporters argue that the current imbalance—where the U.S. operates only about 80 ships in international trade compared to China’s fleet of over 5,500—poses a serious national security risk. Lawmakers like Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) emphasize that a strong domestic shipbuilding industry is essential for maintaining economic resilience and military readiness. Kelly, a Navy veteran and the first U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate in Congress, has pledged to reintroduce the “SHIPS for America” Act to accelerate the industry’s revival.

The executive order also highlights initiatives such as establishing Maritime Prosperity Zones, developing workforce training programs, and implementing tariffs on Chinese maritime equipment to level the playing field. A Maritime Security Trust Fund will reinvest port and shipping fees into national priorities, ensuring sustained support for the industry.

While critics warn that tariffs could increase costs for importers, supporters see this as a necessary step to rebuild U.S. capabilities. Industry experts note that China currently controls over half of the world’s commercial ships and that less than 2% of global vessel construction occurs within the U.S. This dependence underscores the urgency of revitalizing American shipbuilding capacity.

Private sector initiatives are also emerging. For instance, South Korean firm Hanwha Shipping plans to develop the nation’s first U.S.-built LNG tanker, leveraging capabilities at Philly Shipyard. This project signals a potential turning point for domestic shipbuilding, especially in specialized segments like LNG vessels, which the U.S. currently cannot produce at scale.

As bipartisan support grows and federal policies align to strengthen the maritime industry, the U.S. may finally be on the cusp of a long-overdue maritime renaissance—rebuilding its fleet, securing its maritime borders, and reclaiming its position as a global maritime power.