US shipbuilders face major setbacks from policy reversals

The rollback of offshore wind policies under President Trump has caused significant disruption to the US shipbuilding and port sectors, with more than $679 million in anticipated federal funding lost.

This policy shift has led to the cancellation of vessel orders and delays or cancellations of port infrastructure projects crucial to supporting offshore wind development.

Notable companies affected include Maersk, which cancelled plans to build specialised vessels, and Blount Boats, which halted production related to offshore wind projects.

Ports such as Salem in Massachusetts and Humboldt Bay in California have also experienced setbacks, with projects aimed at servicing the growing offshore wind industry either delayed or abandoned.

Industry experts warn that these disruptions not only impede the growth of the US offshore wind sector but also threaten to undermine long-term goals for clean energy and economic development.

Stakeholders are calling for renewed policy support to stabilise investment and infrastructure development in the sector.

Recently, P&O Ferries completed a significant upgrade of its North Sea freight network, increasing capacity on the Tilbury–Europoort and Zeebrugge–Tilbury services to keep pace with growing customer volumes.

Meanwhile, member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) voted to defer a decision on proposed amendments to the MARPOL Convention, effectively pausing progress on the body’s long-awaited net-zero emissions framework for international shipping.