North Indy News

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has called for renewed investment in American shipbuilding, warning that the United States' diminished maritime capacity poses economic and security risks. In a column published in The Ripon Forum’s Veterans Day Edition 2025, Young traced America's rise to global prominence in part to its early dominance at sea and highlighted the shift away from American-built and -registered ships.

Young noted that while much of America’s commerce still depends on maritime transport, “hardly any of these goods are traveling on American ships. More and more, they are traveling on ships built, and increasingly registered, in China.” He attributed this trend to decades of neglect, which he said resulted in abandoned shipyards and a depleted shipping workforce, leaving only about 80 vessels in the U.S. commercial fleet.

Meanwhile, Young pointed out that China now operates around 5,500 oceangoing vessels—an outcome he linked to “strategic government investment — and illegal market manipulation.”

He argued that such dependence on foreign fleets leaves the United States vulnerable: “China will stop at nothing to exploit America’s security vulnerabilities, undermine our relationships with trusted allies, and bully developing nations for its own gain. The supply chain interruptions we experienced during COVID would pale in comparison to a Chinese boycott of our ports.”

Young also raised concerns about military readiness: “In time of war, America lacks sufficient shipyard and industrial capacity to repair or build new warships. China understands this, which undermines our military’s objective to deter future conflict.”

To address these challenges, Young introduced the SHIPS for America Act with Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). According to Young, “This landmark legislation will revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, support nationwide workforce development in this industry, and ensure we have the fleet we need to reclaim maritime dominance. Our bill is needed to bolster our supply chains, strengthen our warfighting capabilities, and allow us to keep pace with China.”

He credited President Trump for recognizing the issue through an executive order titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” adding that the SHIPS Act “would provide the funding and authorities to revitalize the maritime industry, while also putting up barriers against China’s continued efforts to dismantle our shipping economy.”

Young cited Indiana's historical role in shipbuilding along the Ohio River as evidence that communities across his state could benefit from increased demand if Congress passes the SHIPS Act. He described visiting Corn Island Shipyard as part of his effort to highlight potential growth opportunities for smaller operations.

“Hoosier steel manufacturers could benefit from the increased need for steel to build these new ships. Small component manufacturers across the state would likely see additional demand,” he wrote.

Young further argued that strengthening domestic shipping capacity would help secure supply chains vital for Indiana's agricultural exports by reducing reliance on Chinese-flagged ships.

“This is the promise of the shipbuilding revival – revitalized shipyards, more good-paying American jobs, security from economic coercion, and enhanced naval readiness for a potential conflict with our greatest adversary,” Young stated.

Todd Young is Indiana’s senior U.S. Senator. He is a Naval Academy graduate and former Marine who serves on several Senate committees including Finance; Commerce, Science & Transportation; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and Intelligence.