Odd Lots The Plan to Get America Building Big Ships Again
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Feb 20, 2025 Senators Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Democrat from Arizona, and Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, discuss America's critical need to revitalize shipbuilding to enhance national security and economic stability. They highlight the alarming decline in U.S.-flagged vessels compared to China's dominance. The duo explains the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, aimed at boosting domestic ship production, and the importance of strategic maritime capabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Collaboration with allies is also emphasized to fortify U.S. maritime strength.
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Declining Maritime Capacity
- The U.S. maritime industry is in decline, with only 80 U.S.-flagged ships in international commerce.
- This poses a national security risk, as China could disrupt the U.S. economy by halting cargo transport.
China's Shipbuilding Dominance
- China's government subsidies and focus on shipbuilding have allowed them to undercut U.S. companies.
- The U.S. needs government intervention to address this national security and economic issue.
Workforce Challenges
- The U.S. faces a shortage of skilled shipbuilders, impacting its ability to construct complex vessels.
- The SHIPS for America Act addresses this by supporting training programs and growing the shipbuilding ecosystem.