The rollback of offshore wind policies under President Trump has significantly disrupted the US shipbuilding and port industries, resulting in the loss of over $679 million in expected federal funding.
This policy reversal has triggered cancellations of vessel orders and delayed or halted key port infrastructure projects essential for offshore wind development.
Major companies affected include Maersk, which scrapped plans to build specialised vessels , and Blount Boats, which stopped production linked to offshore wind.
Ports like Salem in Massachusetts and Humboldt Bay in California have faced setbacks, with projects supporting the expanding offshore wind sector postponed or abandoned.
Experts warn these disruptions risk slowing the growth of the US offshore wind industry and jeopardise broader clean energy and economic objectives.
Industry stakeholders are urging renewed policy backing to ensure stable investment and infrastructure progress in the sector.
In April, US President Donald Trump passed an executive order to revitalise US shipbuilding while curbing China’s stronghold over the global shipping industry.
More recently, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd rerouted two US-flagged container vessels from Chinese ports in response to recently imposed “Special Port Fees” by China.