b'LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTAT THE HELM A Deeper Dive into the SHIPS ActSTEVE JONES // PRESIDENTT he SHIPS (Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastruc- vessel owners. However, with this months issue focusing ture for Prosperity and Security) for America Acton shipbuilding, there is some good news in the bill for wasinitiallyintroducedinthe118thCongressour domestic shipyards. (which ended in January 2025) but did not pass. However, it was reintroduced in the 119th Congress in April 2025 byAmericas small shipyards face a multitude of challeng-a bipartisan group of senators and representatives. es that impact their ability to compete, grow, and meet national security demands. Many small shipyards have The reintroduction reflects continued strong support foran aging workforce, many experienced shipyard workers the bill, which aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuildingare nearing retirement, and there arent enough younger and commercial maritimeworkerstoreplacethem, industries, bolster nation- leading to a significant loss alsecurity,andcounterFrom what I read, this billof institutional knowledge Chinasdominanceinand skilled labor. Another global shipping. The 2025(should it pass) will addresschallengeforsmallship-version has even been splitsome of these challengesyardsisdifficultyattract-into two bills in the Sen- ingtalent,shipbuilding ate for broader scope andand significantly impact jobscanbephysicallyde-tax incentives. all U.S. shipyards, includingmanding, and the industry oftenstrugglestoattract Whileithasstrongbipar- small ones, primarilynewtalentcomparedto tisan backing and supportthrough a combinationothersectors,especially from industry leaders, it iswithrisingcostsofliving currentlyinthelegislativeof financial incentives,andsometimesuncompet-process and has not yet be- regulatory changes, anditivewages.Also,lackof come law. demand creation.trainingandupskilling: Theres a need for continu-While introduction of theous training to adapt to ad-bill is good news, the not so good news for Passenger Vesselvancements in shipbuilding technology, including digi-Association members is that its primary focus is on ocean- tal tools and automation. However, the cost and logistics going vessels engaged in international commerce.of implementing large-scale training can be prohibitive for smaller yards.The bill states This legislative proposal represents a com-prehensiveapproachtorevitalizingtheU.S.MerchantFromwhatIread,thisbill(shoulditpass)willaddress Marine by establishing national oversight and consistentsome of these challenges and significantly impact all U.S. fundingforU.S.maritimepolicy,makingU.S.-flaggedshipyards, including small ones, primarily through a com-vesselscommerciallycompetitiveininternationalcom- bination of financial incentives, regulatory changes, and merce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. shipyarddemand creation. industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mari-ner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and reten- Here are some of the impacts the SHIPS Act could have on tion. Like I said, not a lot there for the small passengersmall shipyards:Continued on page 46FOGHORN 4'