Trump Signs Executive Order to Restore U.S. Maritime Dominance and Challenge China’s Shipbuilding Supremacy

In a bold move to reclaim America’s place as a maritime superpower, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday launching the most ambitious federal effort in decades to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and counter China’s overwhelming dominance on the high seas.

Titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” the executive order aligns closely with the bipartisan SHIPS (Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security) for America Act, introduced in December 2024 by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN), along with Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS) and John Garamendi (D-CA). 

Together, the executive and legislative actions lay the groundwork for what could become the most aggressive federal maritime agenda since World War II.

Why It Matters: A Sea of Concerns

America’s maritime standing has declined over the years. The U.S. builds fewer than 1% of the world’s commercial vessels, while China builds and sails over half. Just 80 U.S.-flagged ships operate in international commerce—starkly contrasted with China’s staggering fleet of 5,500. 

Lawmakers have warned this imbalance poses a serious national security risk, not just an economic one.

“This executive order recognizes the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to reinvigorate the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industries,” said the bipartisan group behind the SHIPS Act. 

“We’ve allowed China to get ahead, and now we’re facing the consequences across the world’s oceans.”

The Maritime Action Plan (MAP): A New Command Center

At the heart of Trump’s executive order is the Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a coordinated whole-of-government strategy led by the National Security Council. Within 210 days, the plan will outline how to expand the U.S. fleet, train a robust maritime workforce, attract private investment, and shield American industry from unfair Chinese competition.

The MAP will be developed with input from six key federal departments—Defense, State, Transportation, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Labor—ensuring that maritime revitalization is tackled from all angles: economic, strategic, and security-focused.

Maritime Prosperity Zones and Strategic Tariffs

Key features of the executive order include:

• Maritime Prosperity Zones to spur regional shipbuilding and marine supply chain hubs
• Workforce training programs modeled after successful shipyard apprenticeships
• Tariffs on Chinese maritime equipment to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers
• A Maritime Security Trust Fund to reinvest port and shipping fees into national maritime priorities
• Tax incentives and grants to bring U.S. shipbuilders back to full capacity

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) called the order “a welcome shift away from decades of decline.” 

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chair Mike Ezell (R-MS) emphasized its national security significance: 

“A strong domestic shipbuilding industry is essential to our security, our economy, and the future of our maritime workforce.”

Senator Mark Kelly, a U.S. Navy veteran and the first U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress, promised to reintroduce the SHIPS for America Act with renewed urgency. 

“We’re working to put Americans back to work building oceangoing ships and flying the U.S. flag across the global merchant fleet.”

With the executive order now in place and bipartisan momentum building behind the SHIPS Act, America’s long-dormant maritime sector may be on the brink of a long-overdue comeback. The U.S. maritime workforce—once the backbone of global logistics and national defense—could soon find itself back at the helm of a revitalized industry.

The tide, now, may finally be turning!

We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys (and sailors ourselves!) located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.

4/18/2025