The maritime sector is in for a shake-up, and it’s about time. The US, once the undisputed king of the waves, has been watching its clout slip away like sand through an hourglass. But now, President Donald Trump has thrown down the gauntlet with a new executive order, aiming to turn the tide and reclaim America’s maritime might. This isn’t just about building more ships; it’s about reasserting strategic dominance in a world where the seas are increasingly contested.
The order, issued on 9 April 2025, is a multi-pronged attack on the problem. It’s about scaling up the shipbuilding sector, offering financial incentives, and leaning on allies and partners. But it’s also about countering China’s aggressive investments in global maritime and port infrastructure. It’s a bold move, and it’s long overdue.
Let’s not beat around the bush; the US has been asleep at the wheel. Decades of neglect have left the maritime manufacturing sector in a sorry state. But it’s not all Trump’s doing. The receding use of seapower after the Cold War, coupled with a focus on land-based counter-insurgency operations, has left the US playing catch-up.
The new executive order is a response to the resurgence of great power competition, particularly in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It’s a recognition that commercial shipping and naval seapower go hand in hand, a principle that naval strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan would approve of. Trade leads to seapower, which in turn stimulates the development of transport and protection. It’s a virtuous circle, and the US is determined to get back on the wheel.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The order has its critics, and rightly so. The National Defense Transportation Association has warned against uprooting all of the previous administration’s policies. And there’s a valid point there. The former Secretary of the Navy, Carlos del Toro, had unveiled a new Maritime Statecraft doctrine, based on Mahan’s reasoning. It was a whole-of-government approach to build up maritime supremacy, and it’s not clear how much of that will be carried forward.
One of the key changes is the Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program. It’s a shift from the direct cash injections offered by the previous administration. Instead, it’s about providing support on an indirect basis. It’s a gamble, but it’s one that could pay off if it encourages private investors to step up.
And then there’s the question of allies and partners. The order tasks the Secretary of Commerce to deliberate on incentives for shipbuilders in allied nations to partner with the US. It’s a smart move, but it’s also a delicate balancing act. Calling on allies to cohere with US trade policies, while simultaneously engaging in a trade war, is a tough sell. But it’s not impossible. The US has already begun to lean on foreign shipyards to maintain its Navy vessels, and that’s a trend that could continue.
So, what does this all mean for the future of the maritime sector? It’s a wake-up call, for one thing. The US is serious about reclaiming its maritime might, and it’s not afraid to play hardball. But it’s also a recognition that the world has changed. The seas are contested, and the old rules don’t apply. It’s a new game, and the US is determined to win.
But it’s not just about the US. This is a global game, and every player has a role to play. Allies and partners will be watching closely, and they’ll be looking for opportunities to collaborate. And the maritime industry? It’s in for a wild ride. Buckle up, because it’s going to be an interesting journey.
