Nautilus Federation affiliates endorse reintroduced legislation to revitalise US maritime industry

The SHIPS for America Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at revitalising America’s maritime and shipbuilding industries, has been reintroduced in the United States Congress.

This bipartisan measure, which enjoys broad support within the maritime industry, is spearheaded by Senator Mark Kelly, a US Navy veteran and the first member of Congress to have attended the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

The legislation has been endorsed by over 75 maritime organisations, including Nautilus Federation affiliates the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), and the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA).

MM&P chief mate Elizabeth Livi expressed her support for the SHIPS Act at a press conference at the US Capitol on 30 April.

'Professional mariners like myself are sailing 24/7, globally, on every ocean and waterway, performing work that is critical to our nation's security, defence, and economic needs,' she said. 'The American Merchant Marine has been essential since the birth of our nation, and through every conflict. This is why I am happy to endorse the SHIPS Act, both as a professional mariner and on behalf of my union, Masters, Mates & Pilots. This law will revitalise the US maritime industry.'

MM&P president Don Josberger endorsed the measure, saying: 'It will create and support jobs for American mariners, ensuring that our country has the maritime manpower needed to protect and enhance our nation’s economic and military security.'

MEBA president Adam Vokac noted: 'A resilient maritime industry is the backbone of a strong nation. We are proud to endorse the SHIPS for America Act, which represents one of the most significant investments in the US Merchant Marine in decades and aims to address critical shortfalls in our nation’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors, which have long been neglected.'

Key provisions of the SHIPS for America Act are:

• establish a new position within the White House of national maritime security advisor
• create an interagency Maritime Security Board, led by the maritime security advisor, to make strategic decisions on implementing a National Maritime Strategy
• set up a Maritime Security Trust Fund to reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure
• aim to expand the US-flag international fleet by 250 ships within 10 years
• mandate that government-funded cargo be transported on US-flag vessels and that a portion of commercial goods imported from China be carried on US-flag vessels starting in 2029
• expand the US shipyard industrial base for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels
• make historic investments in the maritime workforce

The SHIPS for America Act was initially introduced in the previous Congress and has been reintroduced following President Trump's Executive Order 'Restoring America's Maritime Dominance'.