Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Louis E. Sola told the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 summit audience that a new global emissions tax scheme is deeply flawed, that the cruise industry plays an important part in the U.S. economy, and that President Trump should be commended for his commitment to shipping and opening markets for U.S. companies.

“POTUS knows shipping. He understands the importance of shipping. He knows economic security is national security. I applaud everything he is doing to build capacity and capabilities in this vital sector and for being the first President in decades to take decisive action on maritime matters. President Trump is looking out for America’s interests and the long-term competitiveness of the American economy,” said Chairman Sola.

Chairman Sola pointed to the emissions framework a committee of the International Maritime Organization adopted in April as a prime example of bad public policy that harms U.S. companies and consumers. 

“The IMO is duplicating the European Union’s Emissions Trading System, but in a worse manner. Placing a tax on U.S. shippers and vessels operating in international waters is a non-starter. Creating a slush fund for the United Nations to unilaterally disperse is fiscal recklessness on a global scale. I am weighing options for responding to these troubling provisions of the framework,” said Chairman Sola.

The comments came in a one-on-on interview session with Bud Darr, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cruise Lines International Association held as part of the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 program. 

“How do you get to zero emissions if you do not use LNG? The majority of the ships coming out, whether cruise or cargo, are LNG propelled. Why would we ban something that is greatly reducing emissions?” observed Chairman Sola.

Chairman Sola noted the importance of not burdening economically productive sectors with difficult and costly regulations. He pointed to the passenger cruise industry as a dynamic economic driver for cities and states throughout the United States.

“The economic analysis I produced at the end of my Fact Finding 30 investigation showed the extent and depth of the cruise industry’s contributions to the American economy. The cruise industry has only grown in the three years since that report was published. Today, the cruise industry generates more than $65 billion in economic activity annually and helps employ 140,000 people. A single cruise passenger benefits 20 people who are directly or indirectly involved with a ship’s voyage. When cruise prospers, Americans prosper,” said Chairman Sola.

The conversation took place on April 9, 2025, in Miami, FL.

Chairman Louis E. Sola is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.