President Donald Trump has issued significant directives aimed at restructuring U.S. naval shipbuilding. On August 13, 2026, the White House released a new national security memorandum detailing changes to how and where ships are constructed for the U.S. Navy.

Transition from EMALS to Steam Catapults

The memo directs the Navy to revert to steam catapult technology on its aircraft carriers. This decision, made after extensive criticism of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) by President Trump, is expected to incur substantial costs and potentially delay the Doris Miller, the fourth vessel in the Gerald R. Ford class.

According to MarineLink/ MarineNews, the change will affect the Doris Miller, with its keel scheduled for laying by the end of 2026 and delivery anticipated early in 2034. Trump has long criticized EMALS, stating, "Billions of dollars more they spent on electric catapults and they're not good. They're not nearly as good, too complex." The move could have significant implications for the Navy’s future carrier operations, as steam catapults are simpler but less technologically advanced.

General Atomics, the primary contractor behind EMALS, has expressed concern about the decision, stating that changing course now would introduce "significant cost, schedule, and integration risks."

Innovative Foreign Shipbuilding Model

The memorandum also introduces a new pathway for foreign shipbuilders to participate in U.S. naval construction. Under what is being called the “Finland Model,” foreign builders can initially construct up to two vessels overseas before transitioning production to American facilities. This approach, which draws from a 2025 agreement between the United States and Finland on icebreaker construction, aims to leverage foreign expertise and capacity.

Specifically, Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana is partnering with Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions for the Arctic Security Cutters. Similarly, Canadian firm Davie has a similar arrangement for roll-on/roll-off vessels and other naval auxiliary ships. The memo suggests this model could be extended to surface combatants and CONSOL tankers, though the exact designs have yet to be determined.

For foreign builders to qualify, they must establish or acquire U.S. shipyards, hire American workers, transfer proprietary techniques, and develop a robust U.S. supply chain. The goal is to enhance both capacity and competition within the naval shipbuilding sector, addressing longstanding issues of cost overruns and delays.