SHIPS for America Act of 2025

Summary

Creates a package of programs, funding, tax changes, and rules to rebuild and strengthen the U.S. merchant marine, shipyards, and maritime workforce so more international cargo moves on U.S.-flag vessels and the nation’s sealift capacity is secure. It establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund, new shipbuilding and finance incentives, workforce training and recruitment programs, modernization of merchant mariner credentialing, studies and reports, and a range of tax incentives and exemptions tied to maritime activity.

Key Points

• Creates a $20 billion Maritime Security Trust Fund to finance shipbuilding, sealift, and maritime industrial base programs.
• Authorizes expanded shipbuilding finance tools (Title XI revolving elements), modernizes fund rules, and directs more government data and planning for vessel construction.
• Imposes multiple tax-code changes and incentives to encourage U.S. shipbuilding, vessel operations on U.S.-flag ships, and maritime workforce support.
• Directs studies and recommendations to boost cargo carriage on U.S.-flag vessels and to consider tax and operational incentives for U.S. carriers.
• Establishes workforce initiatives: training, recruitment pipelines, advisory committees, data collection, and funding for training centers and exchanges.
• Requires modernization of merchant mariner credentialing systems, creates reporting requirements, and authorizes $20M from the Trust Fund for credential upgrades.
• Creates a temporary rulemaking committee to reform mariner education and training rules and revises shipowner liability limits.
• Imposes detailed reporting, oversight, and GAO reviews to track implementation and competitiveness outcomes.

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