S. merchant marine industry is often criticized for its lack of progress in building commercial ocean-going ships. C.
It's time to stop studying and start building ships. S. government has been producing studies on how to revive the merchant marine since the Lynch Committee in 1870.
However, these studies have not led to any tangible results. In fact, the industry is still struggling to meet its goals. S.
merchant marine, but it too was plagued by delays and lack of progress. S. Maritime Commission set a lofty goal of building 500 ships in ten years, but it was met with resistance from ship owners who were more interested in studying the problem than taking action.
Despite this, the Commission took decisive action and used its authority to order vessels for its own account. S. shipyards, which set the country on its way to having a solid shipbuilding foundation.
Today, the same approach can be repeated with Title VII of the 1936 Act, which allows MARAD to charter vessels and set competitive rates. It's time for the industry to stop studying and start building ships.
The U.S. merchant marine industry needs a bold move to get back on track. Stopping studies and starting construction is the only way forward. With the right standard design in place, U.S. shipyards can benefit from series construction and get back into the commercial cargo vessel game.
