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New legislation aims to revitalize the American shipping industry and strengthen national and economic security
The US Congress has reintroduced the SHIPS for America Act, which seeks to create a Strategic Commercial Fleet of up to 250 vessels, countering Chinese maritime dominance and ensuring American presence in international shipping.
Strategic Commercial Fleet will be limited to 250 vessels
The new legislative proposal, officially called Shipbuilding and Port Infrastructure for America’s Prosperity and Security Act of 2025, requires the formation of a Strategic Commercial Fleet. The objective is to have private vessels with commercial capacity and military utility. The maximum limit will be 250 active ships. The measure seeks to strengthen national security and reduce American vulnerability in times of conflict or geopolitical tension.
External maritime dependence worries US authorities
The United States currently has fewer than 200 ocean-going vessels, only 80 of which are involved in international trade. In contrast, China already operates more than 5.500 registered vessels. According to Senator Mark Kelly, this shows that the United States is falling behind. He warned that 98% of American imports arrive on foreign ships, many of which are built with Chinese subsidies. This dependence is seen as a security and economic risk.
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SHIPS for America Act provides billion-dollar fund and new requirements
In addition to the fleet, the legislation proposes the creation of a $20 billion Maritime Security Trust Fund. This fund would serve to expand collaboration with allies and ensure that 100% of government cargo is transported by U.S.-flagged vessels. The law also sets a new requirement for the LNG industry: Starting in 2028, 1% of exports must be made on vessels built, registered and operated in the U.S.—a figure that will rise to 15% by 2047.
Sectors impacted by the new tariffs
With the recent executive order signed by Donald Trump, Chinese ships and vessels built in China will face duties of up to $1,5 million. The changes, set to take effect in October, will hit the container industry the hardest, especially vessels over 4.000 TEU. The dry bulk and oil tanker sectors are expected to see a reduced impact, thanks to several exemptions.
Chinese ships may avoid routes to the US
With the pressure from tariffs, experts like Nikos Tagoulis warn of a possible redirection of routes. The expectation is that some of the cargo will be transshipped in ports in the Caribbean or Latin America before reaching the US, as a way to circumvent the new rules. This reinforces the urgency of revitalizing the American shipping industry so as not to depend on external strategies.
