This congressionally mandated study for the Maritime Administration in the Department of Transportation is meant to inform development of a national maritime strategy—its ends, ways, means, strategic problems, and priorities. The focus is on the national security role of merchant mariners, commercial shipping, and commercial shipbuilding. The study identifies potential strategic aims, problems that stand in the way of achieving these aims, and relevant courses of action. It also estimates future defense and economic security needs for U.S. flag shipping, mariners, and domestic shipbuilding.

This study was conducted by CNA, a nonprofit research and analysis organization, under a congressional mandate for the Maritime Administration.