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MARAD Report Reveals Alarming Decline in U.S. Waterfront Industrial Facilities
Survey shows 27-40% contraction in key shipbuilding and repair infrastructure over 20 years
Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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A new report from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has revealed a startling 27 to 40 percent decline in the number of U.S. waterfront industrial facilities capable of handling large ships over the past two decades. The sloppy and incomplete report, which was kept from the public for 9 months, highlights a national security crisis as the country's shipbuilding and repair capacity dwindles.
Why it matters
The decline in waterfront infrastructure poses serious risks to the U.S. military's ability to maintain and repair its surface fleet, with the report showing a severe shortage of dry docks and other facilities needed to service large Navy ships. This could hamper the country's readiness and response capabilities in a crisis. The report also indicates challenges for the commercial maritime industry, with a lack of facilities to build and maintain larger cargo ships.
The details
MARAD's report found that the number of floating dry docks capable of handling ships over 400 feet in length dropped by 27% since 2004, from 51 to 37 today. When applying MARAD's own stricter standards, the decline is over 40%, from 44 to 26 dry docks. The report also revealed issues with aging infrastructure, uncertified facilities, and docks taken out of service, further limiting the country's repair and maintenance capacity. This comes as the U.S. Navy's surface fleet has remained relatively constant in size, with 191 of its 226 ships exceeding 400 feet in length.
- MARAD released the report in May 2025, but kept it from the public for 9 months.
- The report covers data from 2004 to 2025.
The players
MARAD
The U.S. Maritime Administration, the government agency responsible for fostering and promoting the U.S. maritime industry to meet the country's economic and security needs.
Trump Administration
The previous presidential administration, which had a focus on rebuilding America's industrial waterfront.
What’s next
Experts say MARAD needs to take a more proactive role in identifying emergency requirements, finding suitable sites, and rallying the government to quickly build new, efficient shipyard facilities to address the decline in waterfront infrastructure.
The takeaway
The MARAD report highlights a troubling decline in the U.S. maritime industrial base, posing serious risks to national security and the commercial shipping industry. It underscores the need for urgent government action to invest in and rebuild America's waterfront facilities to ensure readiness and support for the country's maritime needs.
