Expanding the U.S. flagged commercial fleet is critical to American economic and national security interests. Thanks to President Trump’s vigorous leadership on maritime policies, as well as initiatives in Congress, we will build and repair more civilian vessels in the United States. As those crucial initiatives are developed, the quickest way to immediately expand our non-military fleet is through re-flagging. I commend the U.S. Coast Guard’s announcement of a streamlined process for bringing ships into the American Registry.  There are many advantages to registering a ship under the U.S. flag that registries of lesser quality cannot provide, including an Administration that is taking action to see American companies prosper. My highest priority as Chairman is to support U.S. businesses and to protect U.S. flagged shipping. 

Chairman Louis E. Sola is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.