MARAD Faces Critical Workforce Crisis as Maritime Industry Demands Grow

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is grappling with severe staffing challenges despite a significant budget increase, potentially impacting America’s maritime industrial base revitalization efforts.

According to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, MARAD’s workforce situation has reached a critical point, with a 12.3% vacancy rate as of September 2024, representing 116 unfilled positions out of 941 authorized full-time roles.

The agency, responsible for overseeing U.S. shipping, port and vessel operations, and national security, has seen its budget grow by approximately 314% from 2015 through 2024. However, this financial boost hasn’t translated into workforce stability, according to the GAO.

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