U.S. Representative Lisa McClain Recognized as a Great Lakes Champion

U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain of Michigan was honored as Legislator of the Year by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force for her advocacy on behalf of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Her efforts, which include securing funding for the Soo Locks and a new heavy icebreaker, directly support the jobs and livelihoods of Jones Act mariners who operate the U.S.-flagged vessels on the Great Lakes.

By Great Lakes Maritime Task Force. Port Huron, MI (August 18, 2025) – On Monday, August 18, 2025, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized Michigan Congresswoman Lisa McClain for her efforts advocating for the Great Lakes Navigation System and those who live and work on or near the Fourth Sea Coast. “It is […]

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

The Master and Leader were originally delivered in April 1998, built to last by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Washington state (CREDIT: Crowley)

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 — […]

A Cleaner Fleet Starts at the Shipyard

A Western Lake Erie harmful algal bloom from September 26, 2017. The scum shown here near downtown Toledo stretched all the way to Lake Ontario. This photo is from Landsat-8 (CREDIT: NASA/USGS).

By VOICES Staff. As America charts a course toward building, crewing and sailing more U.S. ships, maritime innovators are stepping up to meet the need to protect our inland waterways, Great Lakes and ocean territory. Among them is  Florida-based Seascour, a company revolutionizing one of the most overlooked, and potentially environmentally harmful, aspects of ship […]

Muscular new escort tug supports a resurgent Port of Baltimore

The Jones Act-qualified Isabel McAllister, built in 2025 by Washburn & Doughty, has become a major asset for the recovering Port of Baltimore. (Image Credit: McAllister Towing)

By Casey Conoly, Professional Mariner. McAllister Towing & Transportation’s multiyear fleet renewal gained momentum this spring with the arrival of Isabel McAllister in the Port of Baltimore. The 6,770-hp tug is the fourth delivery in a six-boat series from Washburn & Doughty Associates in East Boothbay, Maine. The shipyard also designed Isabel using its proven […]

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 […]

Why the Jones Act matters—to both Connecticut and Puerto Rico

The Eileen McAllister launched at Washburn & Doughty . Credit: McAllister Towing Photo

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

"At Janus Marine and Defense, we’re working to ensure USV integration is aligned with the Jones Act and centered around a U.S. maritime workforce that’s ready to lead this next chapter. The tools may change, but the mariner remains essential." - Jack R. Dougherty. (Image provided by Janus Marine and Defense LLC.)

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), […]