US lawmakers refloat bill to pour billions into cleaner shipping fuels and technologies

US lawmakers have reintroduced in the US Congress the Next Generation Shipping Act, a proposed legislative bill that would establish a US$1Bn annual programme to accelerate the development of clean shipping technologies and port infrastructure across the United States.

The bill would create a funding programme administered by the US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) agency. The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the shipping sector by supporting the development and deployment of zero-emission vessels, cleaner marine fuels and modern port equipment.

The legislation was introduced by Congressional Representative Nanette Barragán, a California Democrat, Congressional Representative Troy A Carter Sr, a Louisiana Democrat, and Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat. 

The bill’s backers say it would strengthen the competitiveness of the US maritime sector by encouraging domestic innovation, supporting shipbuilding and manufacturing, creating jobs and reducing reliance on foreign technology. They argue that the legislation would help the United States keep pace with investments in clean shipping already being made in Europe and Asia.

Representative Barragán said the proposal would protect the health of communities surrounding major ports while ensuring the United States remains a leader in maritime innovation.

Senator Van Hollen said the bill would help modernise the country’s maritime industry and prepare the workforce for the transition to cleaner shipping technologies. He noted that the Port of Baltimore supports more than 273,000 jobs in Maryland.

Environmental organisations, including Pacific Environment and Ocean Conservancy, welcomed the proposal, saying it would support the development of next-generation vessel technologies and sustainable marine fuels while improving public health and strengthening the maritime workforce.

The legislation has four Democratic co-sponsors in the House of Representatives: Kevin Mullin of California, Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia, André Carson of Indiana and Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon.