Modernizing the U.S. Merchant Marine: A Practical Agenda for Energy Security and Competitiveness

Why CAEMP exists The Coalition for American Energy and Maritime Prosperity (CAEMP) is a non-profit policy coalition of maritime professionals, industry leaders, and policy advocates focused on a single, urgent objective: modernizing the U.S. merchant marine to strengthen energy security and restore maritime competitiveness. We support the strategic goals of the Jones Act—reliable domestic maritime capacity and a skilled American mariner workforce—while advancing reforms that make the system more resilient, affordable, and future-ready. The challenge: strategic requirements, modern realities America’s maritime posture sits at the intersection of national security, industrial capacity, and energy logistics. Yet the operating environment has changed: global shipbuilding has accelerated, technology is reshaping vessel operations, and supply chains demand speed and reliability. Policy must keep pace—without sacrificing the domestic capability the nation depends on. CAEMP’s policy focus areas

• Defense-subsidized fleet renewal to accelerate replacement of aging tonnage and expand modern capacity where it matters most.
• Regulatory modernization for autonomous and remote operations, including updated manning frameworks that preserve safety and professionalism while enabling new operating models.
• Streamlined build standards that reduce unnecessary complexity and cost, improving the global competitiveness of American shipyards.
• Support for American mariners through policies that sustain a robust workforce and strengthen training pathways aligned to emerging technologies.

What “modernization” should deliver

Modernization is not about weakening strategic maritime capacity—it’s about making that capacity sustainable, scalable, and competitive in the decades ahead.

A modern U.S. merchant marine should be capable of moving energy and critical cargo reliably, supporting national defense requirements, and competing effectively in a world where shipbuilding and maritime technology are advancing quickly. That means aligning incentives, standards, and regulations with outcomes: safer operations, faster fleet renewal, and lower lifecycle costs—while preserving the strategic intent of domestic maritime policy. Get the flagship white paper CAEMP’s flagship white paper is our primary resource and the best starting point for understanding our recommendations and the rationale behind them. Stay connected If you share our focus on practical, Jones Act-aligned reforms that strengthen U.S. energy security and maritime competitiveness, we invite you to join the coalition and subscribe for updates.