Please find attached below, at Annex A, the monthly report prepared by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for February 2026.

The report,

1. Announces that CSA President Emeritus Kathy Metcalf was honoured with the International Propeller Club’s prestigious Maritime Person of the Year Award, which is one of the highest distinctions the organisation awards. This recognition really highlights Ms. Metcalf’s career, which made an enduring impact on the U.S. maritime industry. The celebration included the following speakers: Fair Kim, President of the DC Propeller Club; Costis Frangoulis, CSA Member and President of the International Propeller Club; Ambassador Alexandridis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic; Ambassador Guilfoyle, U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic; and Federal Maritime Commission Chair Laura DiBella—each reflecting on Kathy’s extraordinary influence and legacy.

2. Reminds that on 20 February 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) did not authorise President Trump to impose tariffs in general, like he has been doing for months. It deemed the President’s actions as inappropriate expansion of executive power over tariff policy and emphasised that Congress has the exclusive right to impose both taxes and tariffs. Although the majority of Justices deemed the President’s tariffs imposition as unlawful, which led to the ruling, a minority of Justices however expressed conflicting opinions relating to the interpretation of the IEEPA. The uncertainty regarding potential tariffs refunds remains.

3. Gives a comprehensive overview of the “America’s Maritime Action Plan” and its four pillars, released by the White House shortly before the Supreme Court’s ruling cited above. It is a comprehensive strategy to restore the United States’ status as a global maritime leader, by diminishing the reliance on foreign-built and foreign-flagged vessels due to current limited domestic capacity.
For owners and operators, the Maritime Action Plan (MAP) aims to stimulate demand for U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels through significant new financial incentives, cargo preference requirements, and federal support programs. Key proposals include establishing a “Maritime Security Trust Fund” financed by a new universal fee on foreign-built vessels entering U.S. ports, creating a “Strategic Commercial Fleet (SCF)” to support U.S. vessels in international trade, and implementing major deregulatory actions to reduce burdens on domestic operators. The specific timelines or implementation dates will need to come through subsequent, specific legislative proposals and rulemaking.

4. Shares two cybersecurity documents released by the U.S. Coast Guard, a FAQ for the Cybersecurity in the MTS Final Rule and a Training Verification Job Aid. The FAQ answers key cybersecurity aspects and outlines the technicalities and duties of each ship to equip themselves and be up to date with cybersecurity. The Job Aid is aimed to guide USCG inspectors, however, it is very useful for owners/operators to prepare for audits.

5. Reports that the U.S. Coast Guard has published a Request for Information (RFI) on its Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) to gather ideas and recommendations for improving the program and aligning it with national security and economic objectives. CSA is preparing a formal response and the SIP applies to U.S. flagged vessels only.

6. Announces that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is developing new regulations to reduce air emissions from ocean-going vessels during transit in California waters, complementing existing rules for shore power and vessel fuels. ​ CARB is exploring strategies such as alternative fuels, cleaner engines, and operational changes like slow steaming, while conducting technology assessments, public outreach, and emissions testing. ​ Inspired by global initiatives like the EU Fuel Regulation and IMO’s GHG efforts, CARB plans to finalise the regulations between 2028 and 2030. ​

7. Shares various links to stay up to date with Maritime Security updates and advice.