By the authority granted to me as President under the Constitution and laws of the United States, I hereby initiate the following order:
Section 1. Purpose
The commercial shipbuilding capacity and maritime workforce in the United States have suffered significant decline due to decades of government neglect. This has not only weakened a once robust industrial base but also empowered our adversaries and jeopardized national security. While the U.S. produces less than one percent of commercial ships globally, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) accounts for nearly half. To rectify these shortcomings, we need a comprehensive strategy focused on securing stable federal funding, making U.S.-flagged and built vessels competitive in international markets, revitalizing our maritime manufacturing capabilities, and enhancing the recruitment, training, and retention of the maritime workforce.
Sec.2. Policy
The United States is committed to revitalizing and rebuilding its domestic maritime industries and workforce to bolster national security and economic prosperity.
Sec.3. Maritime Action Plan
(a) Within 210 days of this order, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), in conjunction with key cabinet members, shall present a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to the President, aimed at achieving the objectives outlined in this order.
(b) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director, alongside the APNSA, will oversee all legislative, regulatory, and fiscal evaluations related to the MAP.
(c) The MAP shall incorporate actions reflective of sections 4 through 21 of this order, adhering to applicable laws, including the Buy American Act.
Sec.4. Ensure the Security and Resilience of the Maritime Industrial Base
Within 180 days, the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretaries of Commerce, Transportation, and Homeland Security, will provide an assessment for the MAP focusing on options to leverage both public authorities and private investment for the expansion of the Maritime Industrial Base. This includes enhancing commercial and defense shipbuilding capabilities, supply chains, and port infrastructure. Additionally, the Secretary of Defense will utilize the Office of Strategic Capital loan program to bolster shipbuilding. The assessment will prioritize key maritime components for investment based on metrics that ensure a return for U.S. taxpayers and promote national economic security.
Sec.5. Actions in the Investigation of the PRC’s Unfair Targeting of Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors
(a) The United States Trade Representative (USTR) will coordinate with relevant agencies to gather information supporting actions against the PRC’s targeting of maritime sectors, as outlined in a prior public hearing.
(b) Based on the USTR’s findings, necessary legal actions may include tariffs on certain equipment manufactured with PRC components.
Sec.6. Enforce Collection of Harbor Maintenance Fee and Other Charges
To prevent cargo carriers from sidestepping the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) by routing through Canada or Mexico, the Secretary of Homeland Security will ensure that all foreign-origin cargo entering the U.S. via vessel must clear Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at U.S. ports. This includes assessing appropriate customs, duties, and a service fee for cargo that enters through land borders.
Sec.7. Engage Allies and Partners to Align Trade Policies
Within 90 days, the USTR, in consultation with the Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce, will engage with allies to discuss the implementation of actions taken under sections 5 and 6 of this order, presenting an engagement plan to the President.
Sec.8. Reduce Dependence on Adversaries through Allies and Partners
Within 90 days, the Secretary of Commerce will recommend incentives to encourage shipbuilders from allied nations to invest in U.S. shipbuilding capacity, enhancing collaboration and reducing dependence on adversarial nations.
Sec.9. Launch a Maritime Security Trust Fund
In coordination with the President’s Budget formulation, the OMB Director, along with the Secretary of Transportation, will propose the establishment of a Maritime Security Trust Fund to provide consistent financial support for MAP initiatives, considering how revenue from tariffs and fees could contribute to this funding.
Sec.10. Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program
In conjunction with the President’s Budget, the Secretary of Transportation will submit a proposal for a financial incentives program to stimulate private investment in shipbuilding and repair facilities, potentially replacing existing programs with similar goals.
Sec.11. Establish Maritime Prosperity Zones
Within 90 days, the Secretary of Commerce, alongside other relevant departments, will present a plan for establishing Maritime Prosperity Zones, designed to incentivize domestic and allied investment in maritime industries, modeled after opportunity zones established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Sec.12. Report on Maritime Industry Needs
Within 90 days, the Secretary of Transportation, with input from other agencies, will provide a report detailing federal programs that could support the growth of the U.S. maritime industry, including an inventory of existing incentives and recommendations for enhancing support.
Sec.13. Expand Mariner Training and Education
Within 90 days, a collaborative report from multiple departments will be submitted to address workforce challenges in the maritime sector, including recommendations for enhancing maritime educational institutions and workforce transitions.
Sec.14. Modernize the United States Merchant Marine Academy
The Secretary of Transportation will initiate urgent maintenance projects at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and develop a long-term plan for modernization, with a detailed capital improvement proposal to follow.
Sec.15. Improve Procurement Efficiency
Within 90 days, a proposal will be developed to enhance acquisition processes for government vessels, focusing on market forecasting, reducing bureaucratic delays, and utilizing readily available American parts to streamline production.
Sec.16. Improve Government Efficiency
The Department of Government Efficiency will review the procurement processes of the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security and propose improvements to enhance their effectiveness.
Sec.17. Increase the Fleet of Commercial Vessels Trading Internationally under the flag of the United States
Within 180 days, the Secretary of Transportation will propose legislation to ensure a sufficient fleet of U.S.-flagged commercial vessels is available for national security, while providing incentives for the commercial shipping industry.
Sec.18. Ensure the Security and Leadership of Arctic Waterways
The Secretary of Defense will devise a strategy within 90 days to secure Arctic waterways, addressing emerging security challenges and promoting U.S. interests in the region.
Sec.19. Shipbuilding Review
Within 45 days, a comprehensive review of U.S. government shipbuilding will be conducted, with specific recommendations aimed at increasing competition and reducing delays in production.
Sec.20. Deregulatory Initiatives
Within 30 days, an assessment will be made of existing regulations affecting the maritime fleet to identify areas for potential deregulation aimed at reducing costs and barriers to innovation.
Sec.21. Inactive Reserve Fleet
The Secretary of Defense will review and provide guidance on the funding and mobilization of the inactive reserve fleet within 90 days.
Sec.22. Coordination
All reports and proposals required by this order will be developed through interagency coordination as per National Security Presidential Memorandum 1.
Sec.23. Severability
If any part of this order is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will remain effective.
Sec.24. General Provisions
(a) Nothing in this order shall undermine the authority of any executive department or agency.
(b) This order will be implemented in accordance with applicable laws and available appropriations.
(c) This order does not create enforceable rights or benefits for any parties against the United States or its entities.
THE WHITE HOUSE,
April 9, 2025.
