“Maritime Action Plan” for US shipbuilding

According to a statement from the White House, the capacities in the shipbuilding industry have weakened while strategic competitors are expanding their market share. Currently, less than one percent of new commercial ships are built in the United States. The industry has a total of 66 shipyards, including eight active shipyards, 11 shipyards with construction sites, 22 repair yards with dry dock facilities, and 25 yards that are solely responsible for deck construction. These figures illustrate, according to the statement, that the U.S. does not have the necessary capacity to meet national priorities.

Competitive Pressure and Security Concerns

To address these challenges, the Trump administration has initiated measures to restore shipbuilding capacities. On April 9, 2025, the President signed Executive Order (E.O.) 14269 titled „Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.“ This order calls for the development of a „Maritime Action Plan“ (MAP) that outlines steps to revitalize the maritime industry sector. The document takes into account both domestic and international factors.

The development of the MAP is being carried out in collaboration with various departments, including the State Department, the President’s Office of National Security Affairs, the Office of Management and Budget, as well as the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Labor, Transportation, and Homeland Security. The goal is to regain America’s maritime strength and ensure that the nation can defend its interests and transport its trade.