Shipbuilding: Are we getting this discussion wrong?
The real questions remain unanswered
The recent White House order on U.S. shipbuilding briefly ignited online discussions. As debate intensified—especially after the second government directive imposing taxes on Chinese-built ships entering U.S. ports—commentary from Chinese media on the decline of U.S. industrial production added fuel to the fire. Fingers were pointed in all directions, yet for those of us deeply engaged in the maritime and offshore industry, nothing new has been revealed.
The real questions remain unanswered: Why did shipbuilding decline so rapidly in Britain? Why is the industry struggling so profoundly across Europe? Searching for serious studies on the entrepreneurial, sociological, or government policy factors behind this reveals only outdated references—no thorough analysis of the systemic causes.
Perhaps the biggest challenge isn’t revitalizing shipbuilding—but convincing people to participate in it.
This brings us to a larger, more fundamental question: Do people still want to be welders, locksmiths, pipe fitters, insulation installers, machinists, or engage in other trades essential to shipbuilding?
Years ago, an American welding specialist asked me, “Why would a young person weld day after day in a shipyard under difficult conditions when they could take a more lucrative land-based job instead?” Another acquaintance shared the story of a retiring craftsman eager to sell his business—complete with equipment, contracts, and a steady customer base—yet he found no younger buyer willing to take over.
Are we talking about shipbuilding with the wrong assumption—that people still seek repetitive, physically demanding jobs.
Historically, if animal labor was cheaper, animals did the work. If human labor was cheaper, humans did the work. The industrial revolution replaced much of animal labor with machines, yet human labor persisted—what if history simply stalled there? In an era of rapid advancements in robotics and AI, where we are repeatedly told that manual jobs will soon be unprofitable for humans, why would anyone commit their career to an industry seemingly destined for automation?
Perhaps the biggest challenge isn’t revitalizing shipbuilding—but convincing people to participate in it.
Meaningful progress begins with honest conversations
Wouldn’t it be more effective to develop new ship concepts and manufacturing techniques?
Rather than attempting to reinvigorate outdated production methods, wouldn’t it be more effective to develop new ship concepts and manufacturing techniques that maximize automation and robotics while minimizing repetitive and physically intense labor? Countries that take these challenges seriously may well emerge as the shipbuilding leaders of the future.
I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I welcome an open exchange of ideas. Meaningful progress begins with honest conversations—ones that challenge assumptions, validate questions, and seek practical solutions. So let’s talk.
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