Bill looks to boost US shipyards, triple size of US-flag internationally trading fleet  

After decades of decline and neglect, the US-flag oceangoing merchant fleet could get a major boost from recently filed legislation that seeks to triple the number of commercially operated ships in international commerce in 10 years.

Called the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, the bipartisan and bicameral legislation was introduced by Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Senator Todd Young (D-Indiana), Representative John Garamendi (D-California), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi).

The filing of the bill in mid-December comes amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Ukraine and South China Sea, and growing concerns about the nation’s dwindling shipbuilding base, ballooning costs to build and modernise naval ships, China’s increased sea power, and ability of the United States to respond to threats overseas.

“We’ve always been a maritime nation, but the truth is we’ve lost ground to China, who now dominates international shipping and can build merchant and military ships much more quickly than we can,” said Senator Kelly. A retired astronaut and US Navy veteran, Senator Kelly is the first US Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress. “The SHIPS for America Act is the answer to this challenge. By supporting shipbuilding, shipping and workforce development, it will strengthen supply chains, reduce our reliance on foreign vessels, put Americans to work in good-paying jobs, and support the Navy and Coast Guard’s shipbuilding needs,” he said.

The current US-flag fleet stands at about 200 vessels, 80 of which are trade in international commerce – a paltry sum compared with 5,500 vessels controlled by China.

The SHIPS Act looks to establish the Strategic Commercial Fleet, which would have 250 US-flag fleet vessels engaged in international trade – more than three times the current level.

The 344-page bill is chockful of incentives for US shipbuilding and rebuilding the US shipping fleet. Among its key takeaways are the establishment of a Maritime Security Advisor within the White House, who would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board. US government-funded cargo would be required to be moved on US-flag ships and a portion of commercial goods imported from China would be required to be transported on US-flag vessels starting in 2029. The legislation looks support merchant mariner recruitment and training, cut bureaucratic red tape, incentivise shipbuilding at a US shipyard, and boost the Tanker Security Fleet.

LNG exports on US-flag ships

Interestingly, tucked into the SHIPS Act is a requirement to have US-flag vessels transport an increasing percentage of LNG exports, starting with 2% in “each of the seven calendar years” following the calendar year after the enactment of the bill. This will grow to 15% of LNG exports in the 22nd calendar year after the calendar year the bill is enacted.

The US is the world’s largest exporter of LNG, yet operates no US-flag LNG carriers, and – not counting LNG bunker vessels – there have been no LNG carriers built in the US in 44 years.

Broad industry support

Not surprisingly, the legislation drew broad support from maritime industry groups, US shipowners and shipbuilders, suppliers, maritime trade unions and other stakeholders.

“This legislation represents a significant step forward in strengthening the nation’s shipyard industrial base and establishing a comprehensive national maritime strategy,” said Shipbuilders Council of America president Matthew Paxton.