The Shipbuilders Council of America, a the national trade association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, presented Sen. Susan Collins with its Maritime Leadership Award. 

According to a news release from the council, Collins is “an exemplary leader in Congress who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry.  Overall the American maritime industry, including shipbuilding and repair, creates more than 650,000 jobs nationwide, and contributes more than $150 billion annually to the nation’s economy, according to a recent economic study by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Transportation Institute.” 

 In Maine, the American domestic maritime industry adds $208.4 million annually to the Maine economy, as well as $725.5 million in worker income, according to the council.  

“America’s shipyard industry is vital to our national and economic security, and I am proud to represent a state with a longstanding shipbuilding tradition,” Collins said in the r.  “The thousands of hardworking employees at Bath Iron Works and other shipyards demonstrate their commitment to excellence in every ship they build, and I am committed to supporting them by securing the resources needed to grow and maintain our fleet.  As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to fight for shipbuilding and acquisition policies to keep the United States Navy pre-eminent, our shipyards strong, and our skilled workers building the best ships in the world.  I am grateful for this recognition and for the Council’s efforts to advance America’s shipbuilding industry.” 

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