About Us

The United States relies on its maritime industry for both military and economic security. For more than 200 years, the US-flagged merchant marine has contributed substantially to U.S. economic vitality and independence, and helped to underpin America’s position as a global power and the world’s biggest aid donor.

Successive American governments have realized the importance of maintaining a strong and healthy fleet of US-flagged ships operated by trained American sailors. The maintenance of militarily useful vessels and trained merchant seamen in peacetime provides an essential sealift capability which has been frequently called on by US armed forces in times of war and in times of national emergency. In short, American soldiers and first responders depend on American shipping. From delivering food aid and emergency supplies to impoverished nations, to providing a supply line by sea of crucial supplies to our troops around the world, the U.S. maritime industry helps achieve the security and diplomatic objectives of the United States government.

A strong merchant marine also generates thousands of American jobs and millions of dollars in economic output at home. It is in the national interest of the United States that the government continues to enact, fund, and defend programs that promote the sustainability of this fundamental industry.

Our Membership

USA Maritime is a coalition of carriers and maritime unions committed to promoting and protecting the U.S. Maritime Industry. The Coalition and its members work together to educate policy makers, the media and the public about issues impacting the U.S. flag merchant marine and maritime industry. Our members include:

  • American Maritime Congress
  • American Maritime Officers (AMO)
  • American Maritime Officers Service (AMOS)
  • American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier LLC
  • APL Ltd.
  • Central Gulf Lines Inc.
  • FOSS International, Inc.
  • Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC
  • Intermarine LLC
  • International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
  • Liberty Maritime Corporation
  • Maersk Line Limited
  • Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA)
  • Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID)
  • Sailors’ Union of the Pacific
  • Seafarers International Union (SIU)
  • Transportation Institute
  • United Maritime Group
  • Waterman Steamship Corporation
IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CLICK HERE to read two stories by American Shipper about a recent cargo preference hearing with the U.S. Maritime Administration.

CLICK HERE to read USA Maritime's statement at a recent cargo preference hearing with the U.S. Maritime Administration..

CLICK HERE to read USA Maritime's Letter to the Editor responding to the Washington Post piece, Five myths about foreign aid

CLICK HERE to read the Seattle Times Op-Ed on the need for foreign aid and impact the cuts will have to our nation.

CLICK HERE to read USA Maritime's final statement on the re-chartering of the Export-Import Bank of the United States

CLICK HERE to read USA Maritime's critical analysis of the recent study: "Food Aid and Agricultural Cargo Preference" by staff at Cornell University.

CLICK HERE to download Promar International’s “Impacts on the US Economy of Shipping International Food Aid” released July, 2010 by the USA Maritime Coalition.

 
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