The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The administration says the plan reflects the goals and strategies necessary to foster, develop and promote the United States maritime industry and merchant marine. MARAD’s report says it recognizes that a strong U.S. maritime industry is critical to America’s national security strategy.
“Our nation’s maritime industry faces many challenges, not least of which include aging Ready Reserve Force ships and a mariner shortage which reduces our ability to adequately crew those ships during a national emergency,” the group said in a press release.
MARAD also said it “remains committed to exercising new and existing authorities to narrow these shortfalls. In response to today’s challenges and continuing the work already underway, this plan establishes the strategic priorities and framework necessary to meet MARAD’s mission and help shape the future of the maritime industry.”