Trump's shipping goals are said to be limited by sailor shortage
Apr. 10, 2025 1:04 PM ET
By: Rob Williams, SA News Editor
As the U.S. seeks to rapidly strengthen its commercial shipping capabilities for national security reasons, a significant obstacle stands in the way: a shortage of qualified American merchant mariners, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
President Donald Trump has emphasized rebuilding the domestic maritime fleet, including vehicle carriers, oil tankers and container ships that can support military operations in times of conflict. However, the current workforce isn’t large enough to crew a major fleet expansion.
“We need more mariners,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Both Democratic and Republican leaders have identified the limited number of U.S.-flagged vessels as a vulnerability, particularly in light of global tensions, such as China's military maneuvers in the South China Sea. A bipartisan effort is underway to bolster shipbuilding and the merchant marine, and many of those efforts are reflected in a recent executive order aimed at reviving the industry, the Journal reported.
The U.S. military depends heavily on commercial mariners to move equipment and supplies, both in peacetime and during conflict. Yet the Defense Department’s sealift division plans to retire 17 vessels this year — about 6% of its fleet — because of the lack of available crews.
Much of America’s commercial shipping is now handled by foreign-owned companies. Roughly 60 ships participate in a federal program that pays companies to keep vessels available for emergency military use. These ships are required to operate under the U.S. flag and be staffed by American mariners.
Post-pandemic challengesFrench shipping giant CMA CGM plans to add 20 U.S.-flag ships, requiring an estimated 1,000 mariners to operate continuously.
Finding those workers is proving difficult. Staffing challenges have intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered a wave of retirements and fewer new recruits entering the profession.
To address the shortfall, the U.S. Navy has joined efforts to promote maritime jobs, aiming to increase interest in civilian sea-based careers that support national defense.
Demanding jobsWhile entry-level positions offer salaries between $90,000 and $120,000, life at sea isn’t for everyone. Long stretches away from home, demanding physical labor and isolation from family and friends are often cited as drawbacks.
Although the U.S. has seven maritime academies that graduate around 800 officers annually, many choose land-based jobs instead of sailing. Others leave the profession after a few years at sea. Graham Benton of California State University Maritime Academy said cadets often want to return home and start families after spending years on ships.
There are no official counts of active U.S. mariners, but industry estimates place the number below 10,000 — down sharply from approximately 50,000 in 1960.
According to a 2017 congressional report, the number of mariners holding valid credentials is declining, despite steady graduation rates. Industry leaders say a shrinking U.S.-flag fleet over the years has pushed workers toward more stable careers ashore, and some shipping firms have reflagged their vessels in countries where labor is cheaper and regulations less strict.
As the U.S. considers how to rebuild its commercial shipping infrastructure, industry leaders agree that expanding the workforce will be just as important as increasing the number of ships. Without more mariners, efforts to bolster national security through maritime strength may struggle to stay afloat, the Journal reported. |
