Statement of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force Regarding the Gulf Spill

June 11, 2010: Washington, D.C – The American maritime industry supports immediate action to address the unfolding environmental disaster in the Gulf. Federal law called the Jones Act requires that American vessels be used for domestic transportation activities in the U.S., and countless American vessels are already responding in the Gulf. In addition, we know that many other American vessels are standing by ready to help.

There are well-established federal procedures for waiving the Jones Act to bring in foreign vessels in those situations where American vessels are not available. The American maritime industry has not and will not stand in the way of the use of these well-established waiver procedures to address this crisis.

The Maritime Cabotage Task Force (“MCTF”) is the largest coalition in the history of the domestic American maritime industry, representing hundreds of vessel operators, ship construction and repair yards, labor organizations, pro-defense organizations, and others (www.mctf.com). MCTF is the recognized authority relied on by the government and others on issues related to the Jones Act and the domestic maritime industry. For more information, contact Mark Ruge at (202) 494-2256.