Reps. Barragán, Carter, Sr., and Senator Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Develop Next Generation of Clean Shipping Technology and Infrastructure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26 June 2026

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Reps. Barragán, Carter, Sr., and Senator Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Develop Next Generation of Clean Shipping Technology and Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), along with Senator Chris Van Hollen (MD), reintroduced the Next Generation Shipping Act. The legislation would create a $1 billion per year program through the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) to develop the next generation of clean shipping technology and infrastructure. The bill would help to address harmful pollution that comes from the shipping industry, a major but often unrecognized source of greenhouse gas emissions and port pollution. Through the development and usage of new technologies- such as zero-emission ships, cleaner fuels, and better port equipment- the program seeks to protect the health of our port and coastal communities, and help the U.S. reduce its climate pollution.

The bill would also help the United States keep up with other countries in Europe and Asia that are already investing heavily in clean shipping technology. It would support American businesses, workers, and new innovation, create jobs, while also strengthening the U.S. economy. The bill would ensure that the U.S. leads in the future of shipping, rather than rely on technology from other countries.

"Shipping plays a vital role in our economy, and at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, but it should not come at the expense of the health of our families," said Rep. Barragán. "The Next Generation Shipping Act is about investing in cleaner technologies, supporting American jobs, making sure the United States leads in the future of maritime innovation, all while making sure we do so in a way that preserves public health. By acting now, we can protect our communities, strengthen our economy, and build a more sustainable shipping industry for generations to come."

"Maritime innovation is essential to America's economic and environmental future, and the NextGeneration Shipping Act delivers the bold, forward-looking investment needed to keep our nation competitive. By advancing zero-emission vessels, modernizing port infrastructure, and strengthening domestic shipbuilding, this legislation charts a cleaner, smarter course for the shipping industry. It will reduce harmful pollution in port communities, create high-quality jobs, and ensure American workers and manufacturers lead the global transition to next-generation maritime technology. I'm proud to support this effort to secure a more sustainable and prosperous future for our coastal communities and our country," said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02).

"Maritime commerce is a key economic driver in our state, with the Port of Baltimore alone supporting more than more than 273,000 good-paying jobs in Maryland. That's why we're fighting for resources to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in the global shipping industry by modernizing our nation's maritime economy and building the maritime workforce of the future. With this legislation, we begin to meet the clean shipping demands of today and tomorrow," said Senator Van Hollen.

"The Next Generation Shipping Act is forward-thinking legislation that will help revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and boost our economic competitiveness. As the federal government looks to expand commercial shipbuilding capacity, the U.S. must invest in cleaner ships and technologies to compete globally," said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment. "The bill provides much-needed funding to position the U.S. to be a leader in the development of next-generation vessel technologies and sustainable maritime fuels, while creating good-paying jobs and supporting workforce training. We thank Representative Barragán, Representative Carter, and Senator Van Hollen for introducing this important legislation and call on Congress to pass this bill to spur the market for building the advanced ships of the future."

"Transitioning the shipping industry to zero-emission technologies is a smart, strategic and necessary step to keep the U.S. competitive in the global shipping sector. This bill would authorize resources to ensure that our nation has the vessels, technologies, and charging or fueling infrastructure to make the transition to clean shipping, improving public health and the environment while also revitalizing an industry that supports millions of jobs. We are grateful for Representative Barragán's, Representative Carter's and Senator Van Hollen's leadership in pursuit of the future of shipping, a future that benefits every American," said Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy's senior U.S. policy manager for climate.

Four Members have co-sponsored the bill, including: Reps. Kevin Mullin, Eleanor Holmes Norton, André Carson, and Suzanne Bonamici.

The following organizations have endorsed the bill: Marine Engineers Beneficial Association; 350 Sacramento; Animals are Sentient Beings, Inc.; Benicians for a Safe and Healthy Community; Between the Waters; Brightline Defense; California Environmental Voters; Carolina Ocean Alliance; Clean Air Task Force; Coalition for Clean Air; Communities for a Healthy Bay; Don't Waste Arizona; Duwamish River Community Coalition; Friends of the Earth; Good Neighbor Steering Committee of Benicia; GreenLatinos; Guardians of Flushing Bay; High Ambition Climate Collective; Inland Ocean Coalition; Intheshadowofthewolf; Little Manila Rising; Milwaukee Riverkeeper; Move LA; North American Climate, Conservation and Environment; Natural Resources Defense Council; Ocean Conservancy; Ocean Defense Initiative; Pacific Environment; Portland Cruise Control; Protect Virginia; Resilient Red Hook; Seattle Cruise Control; Sierra Club; South Ward Environmental Alliance; Stand.earth; Sunflower Alliance; Terra Advocati; The People's Justice Council; the Transportation Institute; Turtle Island Restoration Network; Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility; Waterfront Alliance; WILDCOAST; 350 Bay Area Action, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, Progressives for Climate, Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community.

The following industry groups have endorsed the bill: ABB; Elliott Bay Design Group; EV Maritime; Explomar; Fourth Tack LLC; International Electric Marine Association; Magnuss Corp.; MOLABO; NT Systems; Spaera; ZULU Associates; AltaSea, Siemens Energy, Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association.

For the full text of the bill, see HERE. For a summary, see HERE.

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