Next Generation Shipping Act

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Next Generation Shipping Innovation Program to advance maritime decarbonization. The program will support the research, design, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission vessels , as well as the retrofit or replacement of existing vessels with zero-emission technologies and associated charging or fueling infrastructure. Eligible entities, including vessel owners, manufacturers, and port authorities, can receive financial mechanisms such as grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees. The bill authorizes $1,000,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2036 to fund these initiatives. Projects under the program will be prioritized based on their ability to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve components for zero-emission vessels, while also reducing underwater noise emissions and promoting environmental co-benefits. Significant emphasis is placed on projects that utilize project labor agreements or community benefits agreements , advance environmental justice, and support workforce training and development. Notably, the program explicitly prohibits funding for automated vessel or cargo handling systems. The bill also mandates the creation of a Next Generation Shipping Advisory Committee , comprising diverse stakeholders from federal agencies, labor groups, industry, and environmental organizations. This committee will advise the Secretary on identifying and evaluating zero-emission vessel technologies, pinpointing technology gaps, and recommending screening criteria for program-supported technologies. The committee is also tasked with reporting on the program's progress and effectiveness to the Secretary and Congress.