WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 30, 2025, U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) joined a coalition of bipartisan lawmakers to introduce the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act. Backed by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Todd Young (R-IN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Congressmen John Garamendi (D-CA-08) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), the legislation aims to strengthen the country’s shipbuilding capabilities and bolster the U.S. maritime industry to compete against China’s dominance.
“When it comes to maintaining our competitive edge against China, failure is not an option,” said Senator Fetterman. “Not only will this strengthen our national security, but it’ll also grow our local economies and support working families right here in Pennsylvania.”
The legislation proposes sweeping reforms focused on rebuilding a robust U.S.-flagged ship fleet, modernizing shipyards, and supporting the domestic maritime workforce. With just 80 U.S.-flagged vessels currently in international commerce to China’s 5,500, the SHIPS for America Act aims to close this gap while creating new jobs across the nation.
The SHIPS for America Act’s key initiatives include establishing a Maritime Security Trust Fund, formalizing a national goal to grow the U.S.-flagged international fleet by 250 ships within the next decade, and introducing tax credits to incentivize shipyard investments. It also proposes a Strategic Commercial Fleet Program to enhance competitiveness and reduce regulatory bottlenecks.
Additionally, the bill introduces workforce development measures, offering training programs, modernizing credentialing systems, and implementing recruitment campaigns to expand the pool of licensed mariners and shipyard workers. A 25% tax credit for shipyard investments and funding for next-generation shipbuilding innovation are also key components of the proposal.
The legislation includes provisions to directly benefit U.S. facilities like the Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Pennsylvania, once a U.S. Navy yard and now a major player in domestic shipbuilding. “This bill offers tangible incentives to the domestic maritime industry with the goal of expanding the U.S.-flag ocean-going fleet,” stated David Kim, CEO of Hanwha Philly Shipyard. “We see tremendous value in this legislation and believe it would have long-term positive impacts on both our shipyard and America’s maritime industrial base.”
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle emphasized the critical balance between national security and economic resilience. “America needs more ships. Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, and ensure our national security priorities are met,” said Senator Todd Young, speaking to the urgent need for action.
The proposed SHIPS for America Act has garnered endorsements from over 60 organizations, including the Keystone Shipping Company, Navy League, General Dynamics, and American Maritime Officers. Industry leaders highlighted the bill’s potential to advance the country’s maritime sector while addressing longstanding challenges around infrastructure and workforce gaps.
“This is the most ambitious effort in a generation to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “Building and staffing more U.S.-flagged ships will create good-paying American jobs, make our supply chains more resilient, lower costs, and strengthen our ability to resupply our military at times of war.”
The introduction of this legislation marks a turning point in addressing decades of underinvestment in American shipyards and commercial fleets. With bipartisan momentum and broad industry backing, the SHIPS for America Act signals a forward-thinking investment in securing America’s maritime future while countering global competition.
The bill will be split into two components for Senate consideration, the SHIPS for America Act and the Building SHIPS in America Act, signaling the urgency and comprehensive scope of the reforms. Lawmakers anticipate that the legislation, if passed, will chart the course for sustainable growth in the maritime industry and reaffirm the United States’ leadership on the high seas.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.