How America Lost Control of the Seas

The U.S. maritime industry faces significant challenges rooted in decades of deregulation under Reagan's administration and subsequent mergers fueled by federal support during the 1980s. Automation trends have intensified competition, particularly for less expensive carriers, while recent regulatory efforts to restore oversight are struggling to gain traction. These developments threaten to reverse past achievements and undermine U.S. competitive leadership in global navigation and maritime security.