Cargo shouldn’t pick ports based on loopholes. We unpack why a long-ignored gap in the harbor maintenance fee has pushed high-value containers toward Canada and Mexico, and how a renewed push from the Federal Maritime Commission is putting Section 6 of last year’s executive order back on the table. You’ll hear a clear breakdown of what the proposal aims to do—require foreign-origin cargo that first hits North America by vessel to pay applicable duties and fees even when it crosses the U.S. border by land, plus a 10% service fee—and why that could realign incentives back to U.S. gateways.

We also celebrate a milestone that puts maritime education front and center. The Patriot State, a new National Security Multi-Mission Vessel, is making its first Panama Canal transit, giving cadets a rare, hands-on training experience while showcasing the promise of the vessel construction management model. By leveraging commercial best practices and a single construction manager, the NSMV program is delivering ships faster and closer to budget, with each sister ship improving on the last. That matters for readiness, disaster response capability, and the pipeline of skilled mariners who keep the supply chain moving.

Rounding it out, we break down a fresh court ruling upholding the Jones Act against a port preference challenge. The decision underscores that cabotage rules apply uniformly and support national security, workforce preservation, and commercial resilience. Taken together, these moves signal a shift from policy talk to action: leadership is in place, stakeholder engagement is ramping up, and legislative follow-through could lock in lasting change. If the loophole closes and SHIPS Act elements advance, expect meaningful impacts on port calls, jobs, and inland networks.

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