US DEVELOPMENTS – JULY 2025
Attached at Annex A, please find the monthly report prepared by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for July 2025.
The report at Annex A:
1. Outlines that the White House Shipbuilding Office was moved under the Office of Management and Budget, reducing direct presidential oversight;
2. Makes a note that the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 has passed both chambers in differing forms and will require reconciliation after the August recess. While focused mainly on internal USCG matters, several sections impact commercial shipping, including mariner credentialing, inspections, cybersecurity and autonomous systems;
3. Informs that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4th after passing both chambers in different forms. While direct shipping provisions were removed, the final bill includes major corporate tax reforms, shipbuilding funding and cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency programs, including some related to GHG;
4. Notes that hearings on the SHIPS for America Act have been delayed to fall 2025 due to White House and National Security Council changes;
5. Provides an overview of the USCG’s 370-page final rule on cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System, which took effect on July 16, 2025, with no delay for U.S.-flagged vessels. Key requirements include training within 6 months and full compliance – including a Cybersecurity Plan – within 24 months, though waivers and equivalency options are available;
6. Outlines that there are no new updates on the USTR Section 301 petition, with the final decision still under internal review and no timeline announced. Key concerns include CBP implementation guidelines, possible linkage to U.S.-China tariff talks and expected litigation – especially over Annexes III and IV.
7. Makes a note that the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed rescinding the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, which could affect its authority to regulate marine GHG emissions, though current pollutant rules (SOx, NOx, PM) are expected to remain. This mainly impacts international and foreign-flagged vessels calling at US ports, while the domestic/Jones Act fleet is likely exempt. Most fleets have already complied with existing rules, so the focus is on future GHG regulations. Comments are due September 15, 2025; and
8. Informs that, effective June 18, 2025, California requires vessels in certain ports to treat ballast water and exchange it 50 nm offshore if taken from low-salinity sources, to prevent invasive golden mussels. The emergency rule lasts 180 days, extendable to one year, with permanent rules expected.