Season 5 kicks off with Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi, bringing his merchant marine background, Navy Reserve service, and policy expertise to MARAD at a pivotal time. We discuss the success of the NSMV/VCM program, the rebirth of Hanwha Philly Shipyard, and how innovation and tradition can move together in U.S. maritime. With new FMC nominees, billions in shipbuilding investment, and the Maritime Action Plan deadline on November 5, momentum is building fast. 

-----------

🚢 Season 5 of By Land and By Sea sets sail with Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi.

Since stepping into the role in June, Yi has been everywhere—listening, learning, and engaging with both familiar leaders and fresh voices across the industry. He brings a rare mix of merchant marine credentials, Navy Reserve service, and policy expertise to MARAD at a pivotal time for American shipbuilding.

In our conversation, we dig into:
 ⚓ The National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program—multi-mission ships for training, disaster response, and more.
⚓ The Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) model—how MARAD partnered with TOTE Services and Hanwha Philly Shipyard to deliver vessels on time and on budget.
⚓ The rebirth of Hanwha Philly Shipyard—from 60 workers to 1,800, with a $5B expansion plan on deck.
⚓ Yi’s four-pillar vision: people, ships, cargo, and ports—balancing deep respect for tradition with disruptive innovation.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there. Since we last spoke:
 🔹 Two new FMC nominees, Laura DiBella and Robert Harvey, are awaiting Senate confirmation - potentially bringing the Commission back to a full roster of five.
 🔹 USTR’s Section 301 port fees take effect in October, reshaping costs for port calls depending on vessel build and operation.
🔹 The Maritime Action Plan—the capstone of the Executive Order on Maritime Dominance—is due November 5, setting the stage for what comes next.

It’s a packed fall for U.S. maritime—new leadership, new ships, new policies, and new investments all converging.

🎧 Season 5, Episode 1: Balancing Innovation and Tradition – A Conversation with Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi
👉 Listen here: www.TheMaritimeProfessor.com/podcast

💡 Engagement ask: Our first Just-in-Time Learning™ session is FMC vs. MARAD: What’s the Difference? What other mini-courses would be most useful for you? Share in the comments or send me a DM—I’d love your input.

#maritime #shipping #supplychain #FMC #MARAD #shipbuilding #ByLandAndBySea #TheMaritimeProfessor

Send us a text

Support the show

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to By Land and By Sea powered by The Maritime Professor®! If you enjoyed today’s episode, be sure to subscribe ⭐ and leave a review 📝 - it really helps others find the show.

📚 Want to go deeper? Check out our live webinars, on-demand e-courses, and our Just-in-Time Learning™ sessions -- short, plain-language lessons (30 minutes or less) built for supply chain pros who need quick clarity.

🚢 Looking for something tailored? We also provide custom corporate trainings designed to meet your team’s needs.

⚓ Learn more and explore past episodes at: www.TheMaritimeProfessor.com/podcast