U.S. Flag Maritime Industry: Sustainability, Security and New Technologies

Chapter 1 examines the state of the U.S. flag Maritime Industry including the U.S. Merchant Marine. It includes testimony from the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard or Service), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), and representatives of the maritime industry. The U.S. government relies on U.S.-flag vessels that trade internationally to transport cargo and to provide a pool of U.S. mariners who could be called upon in times of crisis for DOD's reserve fleet. Chapter 2 discusses: (1) the effect the U.S. government's support for the U.S.-flag fleet has had on national defense needs and other government programs; (2) the challenges identified by stakeholders in sustaining the U.S.-flag fleet for defense needs; and (3) the status of the mandated national strategies related to the U.S.-flag fleet. The U.S. economy is dependent on the expeditious flow of millions of tons of cargo each day through the global supply chain-the flow of goods from manufacturers to retailers. Chapter 3 discusses the progress and challenges associated with CBP's implementation of initiatives and programs responsible for enhancing the security of the global supply chain. Chapter 4 examines emerging maritime technologies. It will explore how such technologies could improve U.S. Coast Guard mission performance and enhance the safety and efficiency of maritime transportation.