The White House earlier this month unveiled the America’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a national strategy aimed at revitalising U.S. shipbuilding capacity and strengthening the maritime workforce. The Association for Materials Protection and Performance, a global authority in materials protection and performance, has voiced its support for the initiative, highlighting the importance of corrosion control, materials performance and a skilled technical workforce in rebuilding the nation’s maritime strength.
The Plan sets out coordinated federal actions designed to address decades of declining shipbuilding capacity and workforce readiness, trends that have eroded U.S. economic competitiveness and maritime security. Currently, fewer than one percent of the world’s commercial ships are built in the United States, underscoring the scale of the challenge involved in restoring domestic capability. The strategy emphasises that long-term maritime readiness depends not only on shipyard infrastructure and fleet expansion, but also on technical standards and materials protection practices that ensure vessels remain operational throughout their service life.
Jennifer Merck, Vice President of Maritime and Defense at AMPP, said the expansion of shipbuilding capacity must be matched by a focus on durability and long-term performance. She noted that corrosion prevention, protective coatings and a qualified workforce are essential to sustaining fleet readiness and ensuring that new investments deliver operational capability for decades.
The MAP builds on legislative momentum generated by the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act, commonly known as the SHIPS for America Act. Championed by Mark Kelly and Todd Young, the legislation provides a policy framework to expand domestic shipbuilding, strengthen workforce development and improve the long-term viability of the U.S.-flag fleet. Together, the MAP and the SHIPS for America Act form complementary components of a broader effort to restore the U.S. maritime industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign-built vessels.
Kern Williams, AMPP’s Manager of Government Relations, said the organisation continues to advocate for policies that reinforce shipbuilding and maritime workforce development. He emphasised that corrosion control, protective coatings and standards-based inspection are fundamental to maintaining fleet integrity and extending service life, and that materials protection must be recognised as a critical element of a resilient maritime sector.
The initiatives are expected to have direct implications for AMPP members, with increased investment in shipyard modernisation, vessel construction and fleet sustainment likely to drive demand for corrosion control, coatings, inspection services and asset-integrity programmes. Corrosion remains a major cost factor in maritime operations, accounting for as much as 25 percent of ship operating costs and often exceeding other significant maintenance expenses, including mechanical repairs and drydocking.
Workforce development measures included in both the MAP and the SHIPS for America Act align with AMPP’s focus on training and certification. Through standards development and professional education, the association supports specialists responsible for protecting vessels and maritime infrastructure from corrosion and degradation, helping to ensure long-term safety and operational readiness.
AMPP said it will continue to work with policymakers, shipbuilders and industry stakeholders to ensure the Maritime Action Plan strengthens the U.S. maritime sector and enhances its long-term resilience and global competitiveness.
The organisation has also invited members and industry professionals to attend its Advocacy Days event, scheduled to take place May 11–13, 2026, in Washington, DC, providing an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers on issues affecting the maritime, defence, energy and civil infrastructure sectors.
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