A group of US lawmakers has reintroduced legislation that would provide $1 billion annually to accelerate the development of clean
A group of US lawmakers has reintroduced legislation that would provide $1 billion annually to accelerate the development of clean shipping technologies and infrastructure.
Reintroduced on 25 June, the Next Generation Shipping Act is backed by Representatives Nanette Barragán (California), Troy A. Carter Sr. (Louisiana), and Senator Chris Van Hollen (Maryland). The bill proposes establishing a $1 billion-per-year programme, administered by the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), to support the deployment of next-generation maritime technologies.
The proposed funding would help advance zero-emission vessels, cleaner marine fuels, and modern port equipment, while addressing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution generated by the shipping sector, particularly in port and coastal communities.
Lawmakers said the legislation is also intended to ensure the United States remains competitive as countries in Europe and Asia continue to invest heavily in clean maritime technologies. In addition to supporting decarbonisation efforts, the bill aims to stimulate domestic innovation, create jobs, strengthen the US maritime industry, and reduce reliance on foreign-developed technologies.
Shipping plays a vital role in our economy, and at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, but it should not come at the expense of the health of our families.
…said Rep. Barragán.
“The Next Generation Shipping Act is about investing in cleaner technologies, supporting American jobs, making sure the United States leads in the future of maritime innovation, all while making sure we do so in a way that preserves public health. By acting now, we can protect our communities, strengthen our economy, and build a more sustainable shipping industry for generations to come,” Barragán further commented.
In addition, Congressman Troy A. Carter said the Next Generation Shipping Act would help keep the US competitive by supporting zero-emission vessels, modernising ports, and strengthening domestic shipbuilding, while reducing pollution, creating jobs, and positioning American industry to lead the transition to cleaner maritime technologies.
Senator Chris Van Hollen also highlighted the economic importance of the maritime sector, particularly the Port of Baltimore, saying the legislation would strengthen US competitiveness, modernise the nation’s maritime economy, support workforce development, and prepare the industry to meet future clean shipping demands.
The bill provides much-needed funding to position the U.S. to be a leader in the development of next-generation vessel technologies and sustainable maritime fuels, while creating good-paying jobs and supporting workforce training.
…further highlighted Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment.
Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s senior U.S. policy manager for climate, said transitioning the shipping industry to zero-emission technologies is essential for maintaining US competitiveness in global shipping.
She concluded that the bill would provide resources for cleaner vessels, technologies, and charging or fueling infrastructure, while improving public health, protecting the environment, and supporting jobs linked to the maritime industry.
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