America's Plan to Sail Back to Maritime Supremacy Revealed
Published Date: 4/15/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
America’s shipbuilding and maritime workforce have fallen behind, letting other countries like China take the lead. This order kicks off a plan to pump steady federal money into rebuilding our shipyards, making U.S.-built ships competitive worldwide, and training a strong maritime workforce. Expect a detailed action plan within 7 months that will boost national security and create good jobs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program Proposal
The Secretary of Transportation must submit a legislative proposal, described in the Maritime Action Plan, to establish a financial incentives program able to provide grants, Federal Credit Reform Act-compliant loans and loan guarantees, and other flexible incentives to spur private investment in vessel construction, shipyards, repair facilities, and commercial parts.
Maritime Prosperity Zones (Opportunity-Zone Model)
Within 90 days the Secretary of Commerce must deliver a plan to establish maritime prosperity zones modeled on the opportunity zones created by section 13823 of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, including regulatory relief and geographic diversity (including river regions and the Great Lakes).
Use of Defense and Strategic Capital Authorities
The Secretary of Defense, with other agencies, must assess options within 180 days for using available authorities and resources, including Defense Production Act Title III authorities and the Office of Strategic Capital loan program, and for mobilizing private capital to invest in and expand the Maritime Industrial Base.
Proposed Tariffs on Crane and Cargo Gear
The order directs the U.S. Trade Representative to consider proposing tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes made with PRC-origin components or by firms substantially influenced by PRC nationals, and to consider tariffs on other cargo handling equipment. This consideration is part of actions arising from a Section 301 investigation announced in the Federal Register at 90 Fed. Reg. 10843 (February 27, 2025).
Stricter Harbor Maintenance Fee Enforcement
The Secretary of Homeland Security must take steps, including proposing legislation, to require foreign-origin cargo arriving by vessel to clear Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a U.S. port of entry and to ensure cargo that first clears CBP in Canada or Mexico is assessed applicable charges plus a 10 percent service fee when brought into the United States, unless substantially transformed.
Maritime Security Trust Fund Proposal
The Office of Management and Budget, with the Secretary of Transportation, must develop a legislative proposal described in the Maritime Action Plan to establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund as a reliable funding source, considering how tariff revenue, fines, fees, or tax revenue could fund MAP programs.
Expand Mariner Training and Scholarships
Within 90 days multiple agencies must deliver a report with recommendations to address maritime workforce challenges, including the current number of credentialed mariners, estimates of additional mariners needed, analysis of expanding merchant marine academies, reforms to credentialing, inventories of training grants and scholarships, and proposals for national maritime scholarships and exchange scholarships.
Modernize U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Facilities
The Secretary of Transportation must, within 30 days, hire necessary facilities staff and reprogram funds to address urgent deferred maintenance at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), finalize a long-term master facilities plan, and submit a 5-year capital improvement plan within 90 days of concurrence for inclusion in the Maritime Action Plan.
Procurement and Deregulation to Lower Ship Costs
The order directs multiple departments to develop proposals within 30–90 days to improve acquisition strategies, reduce layers of approval, eliminate excessive requirements, consider commercial acquisition and modular design, and review regulations to deregulate where possible to reduce unnecessary costs and barriers for the domestic commercial maritime fleet and ports.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-22385, Adjusting Imports of Robotics, Industrial Machinery, and Their Parts and Components Into the United States
The U.S. government found that importing robotics and industrial machinery in large amounts could hurt national security. To protect our defense and economy, new rules will adjust how these items and their parts come into the country. These changes affect manufacturers and importers starting soon and aim to keep America’s tech and defense strong without breaking the bank.
2026-22292, Further Modifying the Scope of Products of Canada Subject to the Additional Duties Imposed To Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States With Respect to Motor Vehicles
The U.S. is adding more taxes on certain Canadian products because Canada is treating American car exports unfairly. These extra duties started on August 22, 2026, after Canada stopped trying to fix the problem. This move aims to protect U.S. businesses from unfair trade and keep things balanced.
2026-22051, Decreasing Housing Costs for the American People
This new order helps people who own homes by making it easier and cheaper to cancel mortgage insurance when they’ve built enough equity. Starting soon, mortgage companies will use smart tech to check home values automatically and cut costs for homeowners without extra hassle. This means more savings and less paperwork for many Americans trying to keep their homes affordable.
2026-22052, Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended, on Domestic Petroleum Production, Refining, and Logistics Capacity
The President has declared that America’s oil production, refining, and delivery systems are super important for national defense and need a boost. Because of money troubles, delays, and supply issues, the government will step in to help speed things up and keep the country safe. This means new investments and support starting now to make sure our energy stays strong and reliable.
2026-22049, Adjusting Imports of Wind Turbines and Their Parts and Components Into the United States
The U.S. government is changing the rules on importing wind turbines and their parts because relying too much on foreign-made turbines could hurt national security. These changes aim to reduce risks like cyber threats and power disruptions by limiting certain imports. If you’re in the wind energy business, expect new import rules starting soon that could affect costs and supply chains.
2026-22050, National Seafood Month, 2026
National Seafood Month 2026 celebrates the hardworking American fishermen and seafood producers who provide billions of pounds of seafood, support over a million jobs, and generate $173 billion in commerce. The President highlights new actions like expanded fishing access and big quota boosts to help fishing communities grow and compete globally. These efforts aim to keep seafood industries thriving and ensure future generations can build their American Dream by the sea.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06464, Reforming Foreign Defense Sales To Improve Speed and Accountability
The U.S. is shaking up how it sells defense gear to friends around the world, making the process faster, clearer, and more reliable. This means fewer red tapes, better teamwork between the government and industry, and smarter deals that help both America and its allies save money and stay strong. These changes start rolling out soon, aiming to boost U.S. security and support trusted partners with cutting-edge tech.
Next: 2025-06466, Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting To Unleash American Energy
The government is hitting the reset button on energy rules to spark fresh innovation and growth. Agencies that oversee energy must now add expiration dates to their regulations, forcing regular check-ins to keep rules fair and up-to-date. This change affects energy producers and aims to cut costly, outdated red tape starting right away, helping Americans enjoy more affordable and modern energy.