The Bureau of Transportation Statistics released National
Transportation Statistics 2001. The report notes that there are 8,379 U.S. self-propelled vessels (of which 454 are oceangoing
vessels of 1,000 gross tons or more). There are 33, 387 U.S. non-self-propelled vessels and 12,738,271 recreational vessels. U.S.
vessels comprise approximately 2 percent of the world's international fleet. While a large number of U.S. commercial vessels are over 25 years of age, a growing number are in the 'under 5' group, indicating that new construction
is continuing apace. The top seaports in tonnage for 2000 were South Louisiana, Houston, New York/New Jersey, New Orleans, and Corpus Christi.
Based on value of the cargo, the top seaports were Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Houston, and Seattle.