Often debated and long-awaited, The White House released its long-anticipated America’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a 40+ page blueprint aimed at what it calls a new “Maritime Golden Age” for the United
Often debated and long-awaited, The White House released its long-anticipated America’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a 40+ page blueprint aimed at what it calls a new “Maritime Golden Age” for the United States.
The document, developed under Executive Order 14269, lays out a four-pillar strategy to rebuild domestic shipbuilding capacity, expand the U.S.-flag fleet, reform maritime workforce development, and strengthen industrial resilience. For U.S. shipbuilders, vessel owners and maritime suppliers, the plan signals potentially historic investment — paired with significant structural reform.
What It Means for U.S. Shipbuilders and Repairers
At the core of the MAP is an acknowledgment that the U.S. builds less than 1% of the world’s commercial ships and has only eight yards capable of constructing large oceangoing vessels. The administration’s response is multi-layered:
1. Infrastructure and Capital Investment: The plan calls for modernization of shipyards through expanded drydocks, heavy-lift cranes, panel lines, digital shipyard technologies, and automation. It proposes expanded eligibility and funding for Small Shipyard Grants, Title XI loan guarantees, and new tax-deferred capital reinvestment tools for yards.
2. Maritime Prosperity Zones (MPZs): Modeled after Opportunity Zones, up to 100 MPZs would be designated to attract private and allied capital into shipbuilding regions, including Gulf
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