A lot of good points in this thread. Other countries use an outsourced modular style of shipbuilding. Why can’t we use that here in the United States?
It would require redefining what a “US Built” ship is. However, if you could have the steel work done overseas (mexico, south korea, japan) or other allied countries, the final assembly and integration would be done stateside keeping US Shipyards relevant. The big one would be the US Shipyard would have to complete a certain percent of the of total vessel value, say 60%. This could reduce the time of construction, cost, and possibly grow the fleet.
Really want to stir things up, allow a ratio system. For instance, for every 1 US Modular build (greater than 10,000 tons) a company can build 2 fully foreign built ships or equal or greater value/tonnage. This allows a company to spread the cost of construction over 1 US modular build and 2 cheaper foreign builds. There would have to be safeguards in place like a US modular build must achieve 50% completion status before the 2 foreign builds can be flagged in.
IF the fleet were to grow, where do you find the personnel? Exempt mariners who work 183 days or more on any US flagged vessel from federal taxes. Most other maritime countries don’t tax sailors who work on vessels internationally.
Its a different way to think about things, but could possibly be win/win, allowing the fleet to grow cost effectively, while creating jobs, and maintaining some industrial base. As a former Jone’s Act 1st engineer, I think it’s time to think outside the box because the current box has not been working all that well.