Association for Materials Protection and Performance announced its endorsement of America’s Maritime Action Plan, a federal strategy introduced earlier this month by the White House to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding capacity and the maritime workforce.

The plan outlines coordinated federal actions to address long-standing declines in domestic shipbuilding and workforce readiness. Fewer than 1% of global commercial ships are currently built in the United States, underscoring the scale of effort required to restore national shipbuilding capability and sustain maritime security.

“As shipbuilding capacity expands and fleets grow, long-term performance and durability must be built into every vessel from the start,” said Jennifer Merck, vice president of Maritime and Defense at AMPP. “America’s Maritime Action Plan recognizes that corrosion prevention, protective coatings and a qualified workforce are essential to sustaining fleet readiness and ensuring these investments deliver operational capability for decades to come.”

The plan aligns with the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, which provides a policy framework to expand domestic shipbuilding, support workforce development and strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet.

“AMPP has supported the SHIPS for America Act and continues to advocate for policies that strengthen the nation’s shipbuilding and maritime workforce,” said Kern Williams, manager of Government Relations at AMPP. “Corrosion control, protective coatings and standards-based inspection are fundamental to maintaining fleet integrity and extending service life.”

AMPP said the initiatives are expected to increase demand for corrosion control, protective coatings, inspection services and standards-based asset integrity programs as investment grows across shipyard modernization, vessel construction and fleet sustainment.

This announcement touches on long-term priorities in Protective Coatings and their role in maintaining asset integrity across maritime and defense infrastructure.