‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ bolsters Coast Guard shipbuilding programs
By Steve Wilson. (The Center Square) — Passage of the “Big, Beautiful Bill” this summer has provided a jolt to the U.S. Coast Guard’s shipbuilding program as it seeks to replace most of its aging fleet. The service’s most important shipbuilding program, the Heritage class Offshore Patrol Cutter, is years behind schedule and its cost […]
The Impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on the Jones Act and U.S. Maritime Growth
By VOICES Staff. On July 4th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), a massive reconciliation package that includes significant provisions for the maritime industry. The bill delivers critical funding to enhance U.S. maritime security, shipbuilding, and defense capabilities, while fostering economic growth and job creation in maritime-related sectors. The […]
Crowley Tug Repowers Boost Maritime Readiness in America’s Busiest Ports
By VOICES Staff. Two of the hardest-working tugboats on the West Coast are back in action—smarter, cleaner, and more powerful than ever. Crowley has completed full repowers of the Master and Leader, its ship assist and escort tugs serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. These modernizations are helping ensure the ports — […]
As Coast Guard receives billions in new Arctic funding, Alaska region gets new commander and name
By James Brooks, Alaska Beacon. July 12, 2025. Last week, President Donald Trump signed a budget bill with almost $25 billion for new Coast Guard construction, including almost $9 billion for new icebreakers and $300 million for new Coast Guard facilities in Juneau. On Friday, Rear Adm. Bob Little, the new commander of the Coast […]
USACE Navigation mission critical to Armed Forces’ strategic readiness
By Kathryne Gest. WASHINGTON – When the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) needs to move over 1,000 trucks, trailers, and tons of equipment for a large training exercise, they rely on the cost-effectiveness and convenience of the nation’s waterways. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains an extensive network of inland and intracoastal […]
Navigating the Looming Hurricane Threat: Ensuring Robust Marine Insurance for Ports and Shipping
By Ed McNamara, CEO of Armada Risk Partners. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is shaping up to pose increasingly serious threats to American shipping, coastal ports, and surrounding areas. With climate experts warning that extreme weather could surpass that of recent seasons which saw widespread damage from multiple high-intensity hurricanes, the resilience of ports and […]
Why the Jones Act matters—to both Connecticut and Puerto Rico
by Jaime Santiago, CT Mirror. I’ve spent my career in the maritime industry, working with several shipping companies across Puerto Rico. Born and raised on the island, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to its port operations for decades. Today, I serve as Vice President and General Manager of McAllister Towing in Puerto Rico. From […]
How USVs Are Transforming U.S. Maritime Safety and Efficiency
By VOICES Staff. Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) are already rapidly transforming the defense sector, assisting in everything from offshore inspections to port security and beyond. However, as USVs become more prevalent in American waters, the question remains: how do we integrate this technology while upholding the principles of the Jones Act, ensuring that American mariners […]
Wave of Support Voiced for Jones Act
By Seafarers International Union. America’s freight cabotage law – a crucial part of national, economic and homeland security for more than a century – recently received strong backing from several prominent sources. During a March 5 hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Randall Reed, USAF, commander of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), […]
Jones Act Debate Takes Center Stage on Leading Podcast – Bloomberg’s Odd Lots
By VOICES Staff. The Miracle Theatre, Washington, DC’s oldest movie theater, was packed with an engaged audience as one of the nation’s leading podcasts – Bloomberg’s “Odd Lots” – recorded its first-ever episode on the Jones Act. Hosted by analysts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway, this was also the show’s first live event in the […]
