Maritime Supply Chain Security Act
The Maritime Supply Chain Security Act would modify the authority for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) funded under 46 U.S.C. to explicitly allow (and thus clarify) the use of PIDP funds to upgrade or replace port cranes or parts of port cranes (including hardware and software) that were installed, provided, maintained, controlled, or sponsored by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) or any PRC government entity. In addition to continuing support for port resilience, the bill explicitly covers crane equipment associated with Chinese origin or influence. The measure has passed the House and has been referred in the Senate as of mid-2025, signaling Congressional interest in reducing reliance on Chinese port infrastructure components for national security and supply chain reasons. In short, the bill tightens and clarifies how federal port funds may be used to replace Chinese-made crane hardware/software, aiming to bolster security and resilience of U.S. ports by ensuring critical equipment is not sourced from or controlled by China.
Key Points
- 1Expands eligible uses of PIDP funds to include projects to upgrade or replace port cranes or parts of port cranes (hardware and software).
- 2Specifically covers cranes installed or provided by the PRC or kept/controlled/sponsored by the PRC government or its agencies.
- 3Keeps the broader aim of port resilience in scope, but with explicit authorization for crane-related replacements tied to Chinese origin or control.
- 4Signals a policy goal of reducing dependence on Chinese port equipment as a matter of national security and supply chain integrity.
- 5Applies to federal port infrastructure funding, guiding future procurement and modernization decisions at U.S. ports that receive PIDP support.