On February 13, 2026, the U.S. government released the Maritime Action Plan (MAP) 1) through a joint announcement by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA) and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The MAP outlines a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector and strengthening its long-term resilience.

The plan was developed pursuant to the April 2025 Executive Order titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.” 2) The Executive Order directed the U.S. government to formulate concrete policy measures to rebuild the country’s maritime industrial base, which policymakers increasingly view as a critical component of both national security and economic security.

The MAP contains several policy proposals that could significantly affect global shipping markets and U.S. trading partners.

These include:
• the introduction of a universal fee on foreign-built vessels calling at U.S. ports,
• the establishment of cargo preference requirements favoring U.S. vessels, and
• expanded support for U.S. shipbuilding and maritime workforce development.

At the same time, the plan emphasizes the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation in shipbuilding, as well as the development of Arctic shipping routes. These initiatives also create potential areas for U.S.–allied cooperation, including with Japan.

This paper provides a preliminary overview of the MAP and analyzes its major policy components.