A study released last week by the Maritime Administration said in 2011 the U.S. private shipbuilding and repairing industry directly provided 107,240 jobs (including payroll and self-employed jobs, including part-time jobs), $7.9 billion in labor income, and $9.8 billion in Gross Domestic Product.
Including direct, indirect, and induced impacts on a nationwide basis, total economic activity associated with the industry reached 402,010 jobs, $23.9 billion of labor income, and $36.0 billion in GDP in 2011.
MarAd said there are 117 shipyards in the United States, spread across 26 states, that are classified as active shipbuilders. In addition, there are more than 200 shipyards engaged in ship repairs or capable of building ships but not actively engaged in shipbuilding.
Private sector direct payroll employment in the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry fell from 104,435 in 2008 to 95,132, but bounced rose a bit in 2012, averaging 98,072 in the first six months of last year.
U.S. shipbuilders delivered 1,260 vessels of all types in 2012, down from 1,457 vessels in 2011. Over 80 percent of vessels delivered in the last three years have been inland tank and deck barges. Deliveries of tugs and towboats, passenger vessels, commercial fishing vessels, and inland
tank barges increased from 2010 to 2012.
The study found 62 percent of all private direct employment in the shipbuilding industry is located in five states: Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Connecticut, and California.
The federal government, including the Navy, Army and Coast Guard, is an important source of demand for U.S. shipbuilders. While just 1 percent of the vessels delivered in 2011 (15 of 1,459) were delivered to U.S. government agencies, eight of the 11 large deep-draft vessels
were delivered to the U.S. government, seven to the Navy and one to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The entire study, The Economic Importance of the U.S. Shipbuilding and Repairing Industry, can be downloaded here. – Chris Dupin
MarAd details shipyard impact on economy
