AMPP Endorses Bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, Citing Shipbuilding as Key to National Security and Economic Resilience

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(1888PressRelease) May 01, 2025 - The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), the leading global authority in corrosion control and protective coatings, has officially endorsed the reintroduction of the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

Championed by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN), along with Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-8) and Trent Kelly (R-MS-1), the legislation underscores the urgent need to rebuild the nation’s maritime capacity, enhance national security, and strengthen economic competitiveness.

AMPP CEO Alan Thomas was among the national leaders quoted in the legislative announcement released by Senator Kelly’s office:

“AMPP proudly supports the SHIPS for America Act as a vital investment in America's shipbuilding strength, maritime security, and economic resilience, and we thank the bill's sponsors who are raising the bar for every aspect of this critical industry. Through AMPP's commitment to research, training, and workforce development, we are excited to endorse this important legislation," Thomas said.

The SHIPS for America Act outlines comprehensive measures to rebuild the U.S. shipyard industrial base, expand the U.S.-flagged fleet, modernize maritime workforce systems, and streamline regulatory frameworks. AMPP’s endorsement reflects its mission to safeguard critical infrastructure through advanced materials performance, workforce development, and globally recognized standards.

This legislation addresses long-standing gaps in U.S. maritime readiness by investing in protective technologies, skilled workforce pipelines, and infrastructure essential to shipbuilding and maintenance. AMPP’s experience across military, energy, and transportation sectors affirms that such investments directly support operational performance, extend asset service life, and enhance national security. Through its leadership in training, certification, and standards development, AMPP plays a vital role in advancing the technical capabilities required to meet the objectives of this legislation and help ensure a more resilient maritime industry.

AMPP joins more than 70 leading organizations in endorsing the legislation, which also seeks to establish a Maritime Security Advisor within the White House and expand shipbuilding capacity through tax incentives and financing programs. The act also proposes creating a Strategic Commercial Fleet Program to add 250 U.S.-flagged vessels within 10 years, while supporting robust workforce initiatives across maritime academies and training centers.

With decades of expertise in corrosion control, coatings performance, and asset integrity management, AMPP supports sectors vital to national defense, including naval shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and energy transport systems.

For more information about AMPP’s advocacy and workforce development initiatives, visit www.ampp.org.

ABOUT AMPP
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is a global leader dedicated to the protection of assets and the performance of industrial and natural materials. Established in 2021, AMPP brings together nearly 150 years of combined expertise from legacy organizations to advance solutions that enhance safety, security, and sustainability across industries. Serving more than 36,000 members in over 140 countries, AMPP is the largest organization of its kind, providing innovative standards, certifications, training, and resources. Headquartered in the United States with offices in Houston and Pittsburgh, AMPP also operates regional offices in Brazil, Canada, China, Dubai (training center), Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. Learn more at www.ampp.org.

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