Paxton Interviewed by Breakbulk Magazine on U.S. Shipbuilding Comeback

Adams & Reese Partner and SCA President Matt Paxton was interviewed by Breakbulk Magazine in “No Quick Fix for Domestic Production, but Cautious Optimism for Future.” The project cargo news media company interviewed industry leaders about the recent signs of a domestic shipbuilding comeback in the United States.

“The SCA believes that what we have right now is a special ‘moment in time.’ We have an administration committed to revitalizing the industry, and we have bipartisan legislation in the SHIPs for America Act to get it done,” said Paxton in the interview. “The biggest challenge is not to miss this opportunity to make a long-term, generational investment in the growth and sustainment of a proud shipyard industry in the U.S.”

The article reported that over recent years U.S. shipyards have “struggled with boom-and-bust cycles and underutilization from government customers. These demand signals often result in smaller orders and inconsistent requirements.” However, from the SHIPS for America Act to the Maritime Executive Order in April 2025 and to the creation of the White House Office of Shipbuilding, these measures could spur more commercial shipbuilding activity in the U.S..

Paxton says, “What our industry needs is a stable and predictable demand that enables investment in our facilities and people. The SHIPS Act would be critical to that effort.”

Paxton added: “The best way to revitalize U.S. shipyards and to expand capacity is to provide work to U.S. shipyards, with stable and consistent demand.”

The SCA (Shipbuilders Council of America) represents more than 140 member companies that build, repair, maintain, modernize, and supply ships for the U.S. military and other commercial vessels. The national trade organization has advocated for a strong U.S. maritime industry and American shipyard industrial base since its founding in 1920. Paxton has held the SCA leadership role since 2007.

At Adams & Reese, Paxton serves the Partner in Charge of the DC office and the lawyer and lobbyist is a leading member of the firm’s Global Trade & Transportation Team. His federal practice focuses primarily on maritime law and policy, fisheries law, natural resources development and environmental and energy policy issues.