Statement: U.S. Maritime Action Plan Shines a Light on Need for Investment, Leaves Out Opportunities to Innovate and Lead

On February 13, The Trump Administration released a Maritime Action Plan (MAP), which came in response to the Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance Executive Order, signed on April 9, 2025. Ocean Conservancy’s Senior U.S. Policy Manager for Climate Caroline Bonfield issued the following statement: 

“There’s no doubt the United States needs a comprehensive strategy for its maritime industries. However, this plan misses an opportunity to put the U.S. on a course to building the innovative, efficient, and globally competitive ships and shipyards that could make the U.S. a world leader for decades to come.

“Our nation historically lags behind other major economies in terms of upgrading port infrastructure, and less than half a percent of ships worldwide are built in the U.S. Ninety percent of global trade takes place via ocean transport, and shipping emits an estimated 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. 

“The global maritime industry is transitioning to a cleaner future. By investing in technology and science, the U.S. can lead the transition. Developing next-generation fuels, vessels, and shipping policies will boost global competitiveness, support domestic energy development, create good jobs, save on fuel costs, and reduce emissions—benefiting oceans, communities, and public health. This strategy does not get us any closer to building the green shipping infrastructure that the global market demands.”