In the Media
Q&A: How the Jones Act impacts offshore wind energy developments
Read Time: 1 minMaritime attorney Ben Schupp (New Orleans) was featured in New Orleans CityBusiness on March 3, 2022, in a piece that explains how the Jones Act affects the offshore wind industry.
The Jones Act restricts U.S. domestic commerce – the transportation of merchandise between points in the U.S. – to vessels that are owned by U.S. citizens, operated by U.S. citizens and built in the U.S. Critics would argue that it adds costs, time and safety risks because developers have to work harder and longer to utilize foreign flag vessels in a manner that still complies with the Jones Act. They would also contend that using U.S. flag vessels and U.S. crew is more expensive. Supporters of the Jones Act would point out that if we, as Americans, want to promote U.S. shipbuilding capacity, good-paying U.S. jobs and the logistical/construction expertise of our U.S. companies, the Jones Act is a net positive for our country.
Click here to read the Q&A (subscription required). The piece will also be included in the CityBusiness special publication “Maritime and Energy Impact 2022.”