The Jones Act, which regulates U.S. commerce in maritime waters between two U.S. ports and requires that carriers maintain a fleet that is U.S.-built and crewed with U.S. citizens, recently received renewed support with the election of Barack Obama as president of the United States.  While campaigning, Obama made many statements in support of the Jones Act, particularly that it is important that the Jones Act remain in place in order to ensure the integrity of the U.S. Merchant Marine.  “It’s clear to me that America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-flag Merchant Marine, and that means investing in our maritime workers and infrastructure.  It’s vital for commerce and our national security – it’s vital to the American way of life.  That is why you can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act and the continued exclusion of maritime services in international trade agreements.”

Reliable, efficient ocean transportation services

As an island economy, Hawaii is highly dependent on ocean transportation to bring the state the goods it needs. Residents and businesses must be able to depend on reliable, efficient scheduled ocean transportation services with stable rates and the Jones Act provides that.  According to Phil Grill, vice president, government relations, the Jones Act ensures that Hawaii enjoys frequent, reliable service to the entire state. “As a state completely dependent on ocean transportation, it is particularly important that Hawaii be served by U.S.-flag carriers.  Jones Act carriers such as Matson protect Hawaii’s lifeline to and from the Mainland and take special care to ensure the entire state, including Neighbor Island residents and businesses, are well served.  This results in lower costs for businesses, as goods arrive on a just-in-time basis – in many cases going straight from the ship to the shelf which enables businesses to reduce their inventory costs so they don’t have to secure warehouse space to hold their goods.”

National security protection

The Jones Act is also important for protecting national security. Considered the “fourth arm of defense,” all Jones Act ships, containers, equipment, terminals, cargo tracking systems and employees who operate these systems are required by contract to be made available to the U.S. military in times of emergency.  As the state most dependent on ocean transportation, it is particularly important that Hawaii be served by U.S.-flag carriers with close working relationships with the U.S. government. 

Securing U.S. Jobs

Beyond making sure the state of Hawaii receives reliable ocean transportation services and is protected during threats to national security, Jones Act carriers such as Matson also provide job opportunities to over 300,000 American citizens, as seafarers and in the maritime industry. 

Protecting the Environment

Furthermore, U.S.-flag vessels are held to higher U.S. Coast Guard environmental and safety standards than foreign carriers and are more accountable to the public they serve.  “In addition to providing jobs for American workers, protecting Hawaii’s pristine environment is a high priority for the state’s Jones Act carriers,” states Grill. “Matson has long been recognized for going beyond environmental compliance in a number of areas.  Also, Jones Act carriers comply with U.S. safety and health laws, ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for American seafarers.  We are very pleased that President Obama supports the Jones Act as it is not only beneficial for the state of Hawaii, but the country as a whole.”

For more information about the Jones Act, please visit the Maritime Cabotage Task Force’s website at: http://www.mctf.com/.