Navigating Maritime Registries and U.S. Competitiveness

This chapter explores the landscape of international ship registries, focusing on the dominance of Panama and Hong Kong while examining the financial drivers behind ship owners' preference for flags of convenience. It highlights the contrasting positions of China and the U.S. in the global shipping industry, particularly the challenges faced by American maritime interests in light of current policies and regulations. The discussion also emphasizes the urgent need for reform in U.S. shipping regulations to enhance competitiveness and mitigate vulnerabilities in supply chains.