About Us

The Maritime Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation dealing with waterborne transportation. Its programs promote the use of waterborne transportation and its seamless integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the viability of the U.S. merchant marine. The Maritime Administration works in many areas involving ships and shipping, shipbuilding, port operations, vessel operations, national security, environment, and safety. The Maritime Administration is also charged with maintaining the health of the merchant marine, since commercial mariners, vessels, and intermodal facilities are vital for supporting national security, and so the agency provides support and information for current mariners, extensive support for educating future mariners, and programs to educate America's young people about the vital role the maritime industry plays in the lives of all Americans. The Maritime Administration also maintains a fleet of cargo ships in reserve to provide surge sealift during war and national emergencies, and is responsible for disposing of ships in that fleet, as well as other non-combatant Government ships, as they become obsolete.

The Maritime Administration realigned many of its functions in 2007, to revitalize its role as an industry facilitator, and to bring greater focus to the areas of environment and safety. This realignment has served to do several things:

• Focus more effort and attention on the development of a seamless transportation system serving America's gateways, waterways, and ports
• Oversee the agency's ongoing support of the maritime industry, including workforce development activities
• Effectively manage maritime assets in support of the U.S. Armed Forces; prepare for maritime emergencies, and implement the best practices in the disposition of obsolete ships, and
• Address growing regulatory and compliance challenges facing the maritime community, especially in areas affecting environment, security, and safety.

Organization Structure

• The Maritime Administration Office Directory



• The Administrator's Office



• Key Personnel

Mission, Budget & Strategic Plan

• Mission



• Strategic Plan — PDF / HTML



• FY 2008 (Budget Estimates)

Programs & Initiatives (Click here for detailed information)

• Marine Transportation System (MTS) Initiative
• National Security
• Financial Approvals and Cargo Preference
• Shipbuilding
• Port, Intermodal and Environmental Activities - Domestic Operations
• International Activities
• Training & Education
• Other Programs