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United States. Maritime Administration

Focused on the ships, ports, and people behind America’s merchant marine, this federal agency helps keep maritime commerce moving while supporting national defense and emergency sealift needs.

1 Audiobook

The Nuclear Ship Savannah

The Nuclear Ship Savannah

by United States. Department of Commerce, United States. Maritime Administration, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission

About the author

The United States Maritime Administration, usually called MARAD, is an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It was established in 1950, though its roots go back to the Shipping Act of 1916 and the earlier United States Shipping Board.

MARAD supports the U.S. merchant marine, works to improve port efficiency, and helps maintain the nation’s shipbuilding and ship repair base. It also oversees the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and maintains reserve cargo ships for use during war or national emergencies.

Its history is closely tied to the broader story of American shipping, trade, and military logistics. Today, MARAD remains a key part of how the United States plans for both everyday maritime transportation and sudden crises at sea.