Next Generation Shipping Act
Sponsored By: Representative Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Introduced
Summary
Zero-emission vessels are the central aim. This bill would create the Next Generation Shipping Innovation Program to fund research, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission and clean-fuel vessels and the charging or fueling infrastructure to power them.
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- Shipowners, manufacturers, and ports would be eligible for grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees to build or retrofit vessels, components, and port bunkering, storage, and shore-power systems.
- Workers and coastal communities would see stronger labor and community protections through prevailing-wage requirements, encouragement of project labor agreements, funded workforce training partnerships, and required engagement with environmental justice communities.
- The program would set clear priorities for projects that cut emissions and underwater noise, reward environmental co-benefits, and require transparency and interagency coordination. It also limits administrative costs to up to 10 percent of Program funding and bars using funds for automated vessel or cargo-handling systems.
*If funded as authorized, the bill would authorize $1.0 billion per year for fiscal years 2027–2036, totaling $10.0 billion and increasing federal spending if appropriated.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Big federal fund for zero-emission ships
This bill would create a Next Generation Shipping Innovation Program and authorize $1 billion a year from FY2027 through FY2036 (about $10 billion total). The Department of Transportation would be able to give grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees to eligible U.S. ports, vessel owners, manufacturers, and partners. Up to 10% of each year’s money could pay program administration. The Department would post all applications and funding decisions each year and coordinate with other federal agencies and environmental justice communities.
New advisory committee to guide program
If enacted, the Secretary would create a Next Generation Shipping Advisory Committee within 180 days. The committee would have at least 15 members from government, labor, research, ports, industry, and community groups. It must meet at least twice a year and deliver reports to the Secretary and Congress on technology gaps, objectives, workforce needs, and program progress.
Rules for who and what can get money
The bill would set who is eligible and what counts as a clean or zero-emission project. Clean alternative fuels would need at least 90% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions than conventional marine fuel. Eligible applicants would be U.S. vessel owners, U.S.-based manufacturers, ports, terminals, and certain academic and nonprofit partners; foreign governments would be excluded. The bill also defines zero-emission vessels and the required charging and fueling infrastructure.
Labor rules and job protections for projects
If enacted, workers on program-funded construction, retrofits, or installation would have to be paid local prevailing wages set by the Department of Labor. The Secretary would give funding priority to projects that use project labor agreements, community benefits agreements, and workforce training. The bill would also ban using program money to study, design, or install automated vessel or automated cargo-handling systems, which protects some maritime jobs but limits funding for automation-related projects.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2]
LA • D
Sponsored 6/25/2026
Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15]
CA • D
Sponsored 6/25/2026
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
DC • D
Sponsored 6/25/2026
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
OR • D
Sponsored 6/25/2026
Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
IN • D
Sponsored 6/25/2026
Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
FL • D
Sponsored 7/15/2026
Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]
IL • D
Sponsored 7/16/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov