North Central US | Cole Sibley - 3/21/2026 14:59
The U.S. has 93 Jones Act eligible ships. For comparison, chinese cargo fleet is around 5500. Panama 4700. Liberia 5500 (largest tonnage capacity in the world).
The Jones act was enabled to " maintain a strong U.S.-flagged fleet and a robust shipbuilding industry, providing critical capabilities for national defense and maritime security."
Way to go*, Mr. Jones(R).
Ships are registered (flagged) to the country that is most cost effective for shipping (not where they are built, or who they haul for). It appears the U.S. is not competitive in this area. Why not you might ask?
*denotes sarcasm.
Not cost effective, most convenient.
The US has standards, like minimum wage, training requirements, and inspections. China doesn't care, Panama you pay the fee and they don't care, same with libera.
May I remind you of the Key bridge? |
Thoughts on the Jones act
