Next Generation Shipping Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9454
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T18:57:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation establishes the Next Generation Shipping Innovation Program to support research, design, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission vessels, clean alternative fuel vessels, vessel energy efficiency technologies, shore power, and related charging or fueling infrastructure. It also creates an advisory committee to guide the program.
Key Provisions
- Program Establishment: The Secretary of Transportation must create the Next Generation Shipping Innovation Program, offering grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees to eligible entities for eligible projects.
- Eligibility and Prioritization: Eligible entities include U.S. vessel owners/operators, manufacturers, port authorities, academic institutions, and certain labor-funded nonprofits. Projects are prioritized for efficiency gains, environmental co-benefits, project labor or community benefits agreements, environmental justice engagement, and workforce training.
- Requirements: Projects must meet prevailing wage standards; up to 10% of funds may cover administrative costs. The Secretary must ensure transparency by publishing applications annually and coordinate with other agencies while leveraging existing resources.
- Funding: Authorizes $1,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2036.
- Prohibition: No funds may support automated vessels or automated cargo handling systems.
- Advisory Committee: Creates the Next Generation Shipping Advisory Committee with at least 15 members representing federal agencies, labor, research, environmental justice and environmental groups, industry, ports, and states. The committee meets at least twice yearly, identifies technology gaps, and reports to Congress every three years.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a new federal grant and financing program focused on maritime decarbonization without directly amending existing statutes. It references and builds upon provisions in title 46 of the United States Code (e.g., vessel ownership definitions and mariner credential training) and incorporates labor standards from title 40. It adds requirements for community benefits agreements and project labor agreements in project selection.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Expands the Department of Transportation's role in maritime technology funding and coordination with other federal agencies; requires annual reporting and public disclosure.
- Citizens and Communities: Supports workforce training for merchant mariners and emphasizes environmental justice by requiring engagement with affected communities.
- International Relations: May indirectly support U.S. alignment with global maritime emissions reduction efforts through domestic technology development, though no direct international provisions are included.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Vessel owners, operators, and U.S.-based manufacturers.
- Port authorities and terminal operators.
- Academic institutions, National Laboratories, and nonprofits focused on maritime training.
- Labor organizations and maritime workforce.
- Environmental justice and environmental organizations.
- State governments and zero-emission fuel industries.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill incorporates labor protections such as prevailing wage requirements and project labor agreements, potentially strengthening union involvement in federally funded projects. The explicit prohibition on funding automated systems reflects policy priorities around employment in the maritime sector. Emphasis on environmental justice and community benefits agreements introduces new criteria for project selection that may influence how federal funds are allocated.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Next Generation Shipping Act — issued 2026-06-25 — PDF (15 pages)