UPDATE: US senators have revealed that Pacific allies are ready to assist in revitalizing America’s struggling shipbuilding industry, but significant communication gaps are hindering collaboration. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) finished a critical visit to South Korea and Japan, where they emphasized the need for clearer direction from the US government.
During their trip, the senators met with key leaders and firms, including executives from South Korea’s “big three” shipbuilders: Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Samsung Heavy Industries. Duckworth and Kim confirmed that allies are eager to support US shipbuilding efforts but expressed frustration over a lack of clear communication regarding what is needed.
The United States is grappling with long-standing issues in both commercial and military shipbuilding, as the nation faces competition from China’s rapidly expanding shipbuilding capabilities. Chinese state-backed shipyards are producing vessels at an alarming rate, amplifying the urgency of the situation.
“There’s genuine excitement and energy on the Korean side to move as fast as possible,” Kim stated, but they are “just waiting for the United States to tell them how high to jump.” The senators highlighted that both South Korea and Japan have robust shipbuilding industries, ranking second and third in the Indo-Pacific, respectively, and are well-positioned to help enhance the US fleet’s readiness.
Despite this potential, Duckworth revealed a major hurdle: “We don’t know who to talk to,” she said, indicating confusion among officials and industry leaders regarding points of contact in the US government. Efforts to establish a dedicated shipbuilding coordinator have occurred, yet clarity remains elusive.
As part of the upcoming 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, Duckworth successfully pushed for provisions requiring the Navy and Army to explore joint ventures with foreign partners on small vessels. This legislative change aims to streamline collaboration and bolster US maritime capabilities.
In a separate initiative, South Korea proposed a substantial $150 billion investment plan dubbed “Make America Shipbuilding Great Again,” which would focus on building new shipyards, training American workers, and servicing US vessels. However, Duckworth and Kim noted that obstacles like visa issues, workforce challenges, and misaligned shipyard capacities still need to be addressed.
The urgency for reform is escalating, especially as the US seeks to counter China’s dominance in shipbuilding. Chinese leaders are consolidating their shipbuilding efforts under the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, further solidifying their competitive edge.
To move forward, Duckworth and Kim urged immediate action to appoint a lead US official for shipbuilding, enhance coordination, and provide clear directions to allies. Only by bridging these gaps can the US transform the enthusiasm from Seoul and Tokyo into tangible advancements in shipbuilding capabilities.
The senators stressed that without decisive steps, the opportunity to collaborate effectively with Pacific allies may slip away, leaving the US at a disadvantage in a critical sector. As the clock ticks, all eyes turn to Washington for a swift response to this pressing maritime challenge.
