By VOICES Staff.
In a significant boost to local economies, U.S. shipping companies are set to inject over $120 million into shipyards and repair facilities across the Great Lakes states. This substantial investment not only ensures the maintenance of the nation’s vital maritime infrastructure but also underscores the enduring importance of the Jones Act in supporting American jobs.
Massive bulk-carrying Lakers are the workhorses of the American Great Lakes fleet. These ships smoothly transport cargoes to supply Midwestern steel mills, flour mills, power plants and construction sites, among other destinations.
The Lake Carriers Association estimated the recent investment by member companies into the region will pour $120 million across four states. Wisconsin ship repair yards emerge as the primary beneficiary, receiving $55 million for vessel maintenance, followed by yards in Ohio with $39 million, Pennsylvania with $19 million and Michigan with $7 million.
“It is truly an amazing system where U.S. Lakers sail non-stop between March and January delivering as much cargo as possible before entering a two-month repair period. The work is not only vital to maintaining the U.S. fleet but also to the communities where it is performed bringing excellent paying, hardworking jobs to everyday Americans,” said Jim Weakley, President of the Lake Carriers Association.
During the maintenance period, engineers conduct meticulous inspections and execute necessary repairs while modernizing onboard systems and crew accommodations. Investments have been made to enhance safety and efficiency, including the implementation of wireless communications and the upgrading of navigational computers and propulsion control systems.
Crucially, hull plating will be replaced with steel sourced from domestic suppliers. The Jones Act is estimated to directly and indirectly support hundreds of thousands of jobs across various sectors of the U.S. economy, including the U.S. steel industry.
U.S.-flagged American shipping companies boast some of the most skilled mariners globally, while Great Lakes shipyards and repair facilities are staffed by highly proficient workers capable of meeting the stringent environmental and safety standards set by U.S. laws and regulations.
The substantial investment reaffirms the commitment of the Great Lakes fleet, and American Maritime companies as a whole, to maintain a robust maritime infrastructure, supporting local economies.
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