Page 38: of Marine News Magazine (July 2025)

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US Shipbuilding

The Trump Effect

Gladding-Hearn

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Investing in Capacity, Capability, and People “We’re also investing heavily in AI, advanced manufactur-

When the smoke clears, shipbuilding is a unique indus- ing technologies, and workforce development to ensure we trial endeavor that requires consistent investment in land, deliver maximum value to the maritime industrial base.” facilities, equipment and people. “At Thoma-Sea, we’re upgrading automation, robotic U.S. Shipbuilding: At a Crossroads welding, and pipe fabrication systems,” says Thomassie. The U.S. shipbuilding infrastructure stands at a pivotal “We’re also investing in workforce support spaces, training junction, as years of decline have left critical vulnerabilities centers, and collaboration areas.” across both commercial and defense sectors. Punctuated by

Birdon has invested $27 million in its Alabama yard a renewal of geopolitical hostilities in Russia, Ukraine, Iran to support WCC production, adding a semi-automated and Israel; the decline has become more pronounced with panel line, dedicated production shops, new launching long-simmering tensions surrounding China, Taiwan and equipment, and expanded training facilities. “Support ‘ownership’ of the South China Sea. In particular, as illus- from MARAD and the Maritime Industrial Base has been trated in all of these con