MarAd Report Confirms U.S. Fleet Growth

Totaling more than 37,000 vessels available to meet U.S. shippers' transportation needs, the U.S. domestic fleet is greater than previously reported, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). Released by MarAd administrator Clyde Hart, the report counts all commercial vessels in the American fleet, and highlights the magnitude and diversity of the American Jones Act fleet, as well as vessels engaged in domestic cargo and passenger trades. Of the 37,900 U.S.-flagged vessels, 37,308 operate domestically while the remaining 592 either participate in international trades or are part of the U.S. Government sealift fleet, MarAd said. Included in the domestic fleet are cargo ships and barges, select types of passenger vessels, tugs, towboats and workboats. Of the largest commercial cargo vessels operating in the U.S. trades, 2,586 are defined as having more than 1,000-grt or with equal capacity.