Jim Kearns, special counsel in the Maritime Practice Group, moderated a panel at the Inland Marine Expo on May 28, 2026, with David Gilmore, director of MARAD's Office of Marine Financing, Dave Matsuda, a former maritime administrator, and Erika Young, director of the Small Shipyard Grant Coalition. Jim and his fellow panelists focused on the US maritime industry's recent spotlight and how it is leading to increased financing opportunities for industry stakeholders, including MARAD's Capital Construction Fund (CCF) and Small Shipyards Grant programs. They explained how the CCF and the newly restored 100% first-year depreciation deduction can both help finance vessel construction and capital improvements, and illustrated projects eligible for the Small Shipyard Grant program.