Hurricane Aftermath in Florida: Fuel Deliveries Highlight Misconceptions About the Jones Act

By Sam Norton. Among the multitude of current challenges facing residents of Florida’s west coast communities hammered by back-to-back hurricanes is a widely reported shortage of gasoline. It is predictable that Jones Act opponents will use the fuel crisis spawned by these natural disasters to recycle old tropes pinning the root cause of empty fuel stations on […]
Cleaning Up America’s Ports

By Charlie Miller. The maritime industry is increasingly looking for more ways to achieve greater sustainability. While shipping by America’s inland and coastal waterways is extremely efficient, particularly compared to other modes of transportation, there is renewed attention to how ports can work to reduce emissions. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) puts it: […]
Latest National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Testament to Pennsylvanian Manufacturing

By VOICES Staff. On September 9, 2024, the U.S. maritime community gathered at Philly Shipyard for the christening of the newest National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV), Patriot State. The ship is the second of five training ships and will be delivered to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a prestigious institution that has been training leaders of the […]
Highly competitive U.S. dredging companies save tax payers $707 Million FY 2023

By Dredging Contractors of America. As the U.S. Jones Act private sector dredging industry continues with its $3 Billion construction of new dredges and associated vessels and equipment, the Dredging Contractors of America is pleased to announce the results FY 2023 dredging season as reported in the U.S. Dredging Report: An Analysis of the FY23 U.S. […]
American Maritime Successfully Responds to Tropical Storm in Puerto Rico

By VOICES Staff. Tropical Storm Ernesto hit Puerto Rico earlier this August, bringing 60-mph winds and heavy rain. Despite the impact, American Maritime carriers like Crowley and TOTE Maritime maintained the vital supply chain between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico, ensuring no service delays. Crowley swiftly reopened service through careful preparation and safety measures. […]
From Classroom to Shipyard: USMMA Midshipmen Gain Hands-On Experience at Detyens

By VOICES Staff. At Detyens Shipyards in North Charleston, South Carolina, the future of America’s maritime industry is being built one midshipman at a time. Through a unique partnership with the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Detyens Shipyards hosts up to 20 midshipmen each year as part of the academy’s Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management […]
Giants of Skilled Trades: Shawn Jenkins, Philly Shipyard

By Kacey Bowen, BlueForge Alliance. Shawn Jenkins is a dedicated Technical Instructor at the Philly Shipyard Training Academy, playing a pivotal role in training and supporting the upcoming generation of shipbuilders. His mission is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary not only to excel in their roles, but to advance the industry as a […]
Merchant Marine Academies Graduate Nearly 1,500 Officers

By VOICES Staff. This June saw nearly 1,500 graduates from the seven U.S. maritime academies of 2024 join the workforce. These men and women are poised to join a 650,000-strong workforce that has proved itself critical to America’s national, homeland and economic security. The graduates come from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.), […]
American-Built and American-Repaired Lakers

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 […]
Domestic Maritime Industry Drives Washington Economy

By Chad See, Washington Maritime Federation President. Over 170,000 jobs and nearly $46 billion in revenue drive the state economy The Washington Maritime Federation (WMF) released a study documenting the tremendous impact of maritime businesses and activities on Washington State’s economy. The average annual compensation in maritime-related jobs is $112,000 including benefits. The study […]