Publish Date: 10.15.2025
A new effort is in progress to strengthen the maritime industry with the reintroduction of the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025 (SHIPS Act). This proposed legislation, which was brought by a bicameral group of lawmakers, including Senator Mark Kelly, and Senator Todd Young in the Senate, and Representative Trent Kelly in the House, has been described as a “comprehensive approach to revitalizing the U.S. Merchant Marine.”[1] Its four main objectives to further grow the maritime industry are: “establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, making U.S. flagged vessels more commercially competitive through de-regulation, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding as well as strengthening the maritime labor force.”[2] The most interesting possible outcome from the SHIPS Act is the increased oversight and funding for the U.S. maritime sector.
If passed, the SHIPS Act may institute a Maritime Security Advisor within the White House.[3] This advisor would lead a board comprised of representatives from across federal agencies, ensuring that decisions about the maritime sector are coordinated properly and efficiently.[4] The board’s main role would most likely entail developing a National Maritime Strategy to protect and strengthen the marine transportation system.[5] The enactment could also bring more visibility to the maritime sector and help unify the various government agencies to make decision making quicker and more consistent. Overall, the SHIPS Act aims to create a stronger, whole-of government approach to keeping our waterways secure.
In addition to considerable oversight, the SHIPS Act may establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund.[6] The fund would support a range of maritime security programs and be financed through the reinvestment of duties and fees collected from the maritime industry.[7] New penalties might also apply to vessels owned, operated, or registered by foreign entities of concern, as well as to vessel owners conducting significant business with the CCP-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation.[8] The fund could help strengthen U.S. maritime security and reduce dependence on foreign entities by prioritizing domestic resources.
The SHIPS Act’s next steps are uncertain due to it needing to be referred to the relevant committees for consideration and markup.[9] After that, Congress will need to determine whether or not it will continue on its own or be absorbed into a larger legislation package.[10] Overall, the SHIPS Act could be a way to reinvigorate the maritime sector and strengthen the United States’ security on the waterways.
[1] Scott A. Freling et al., Reintroduced SHIPS Act Signals Continued Momentum for Domestic Maritime Investment, Covington Inside Government Contracts (Sept. 26, 2025), https://www.insidegovernmentcontracts.com/2025/05/ reintroduced-ships-act-signals-continued-momentum-for-domestic-maritime-investment/#:~:text=The%20SHIPS %20Act’s%20sponsors%20identify,State%20Shipbuilding%20Corporation%20(CSSC)
[2] Id.
[3] Scott A. Freling, supra note 1.
[4] Id.
[5] Id.
[6] Scott A. Freling, supra note 1.
[7] Id.
[8] Id.
[9] Id.
[10] Id.
Charleston School of Law will be in attendance at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Law School Fair on Thursday, October 16 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Charleston School of Law will host a Workshop Series on Legal Ethics with Attorney at Law John Nichols on Thursday, October 16 in Room 224.
The Wellness Program at Charleston Law continues the Professionalism Series on Friday, October 17 from 9:00am-1:00pm. Charleston Law Director of Wellness Cristy Lorente will lead Mental Health First Aid training.