b'FOGHORN FOCUSBuilding Back BetterWill Require the Maritime IndustryOP-EDBY BEN BORDELON // BOLLINGER SHIPYARDS, LLCT U.S. maritime industry is resilient, and as the backboneThese benefits will continue to increase as Americas shipbuilders he of Americas national and economic security, has deliveredbegin building for the emerging offshore wind industry, the growth despitesignificanttrialsfromnaturaldisasterstoforeignofwhichwillbefacilitatedbythedomesticmaritimeindustrys conflict. However, 2020 brought unprecedented challenge. Reducedhistory of designing and innovating for new markets.demand and the increased operational costs that have accompanied some harsh new operating realities dampen hopes for an industry thatOffshore wind will provide opportunities for economic output and will be critical if we are truly going to Build Back Better. create more jobs while advancing our use of renewable energy, and U.S. shipbuilding and the domestic maritime industry will play a To ensure the maritime industrys long-term viability as a criticalkey role in bringing this to fruition. In this case, the Jones Act will engine of the U.S. economy, our country is inhelpfurthertheuseofgreenenergyin need of decisive leadership. From regulations,theUnitedStateswhilealsoincreasing toshipbuilding,toportdevelopment,Our industryinvestment in our countrys workforce.there are many areas that are in dire needunderstands we have of attention. It is our hope that the BidenIn this same vein, we welcome a return administrationwillputthepersonnelanda responsibility notto multilateral cooperation and increased policies in place to make that a reality. global trade. Increased trade opportunities just to our employeesmean more vessels in our customers fleets The bedrock of the maritime industry is theand our customers,will be in the water and will translate to Jones Act, which just last year celebrated itsanincreaseinbothnewconstruction 100th Anniversary.Throughouthislongbut to the country. andrepairbusiness.Tohelpfacilitate careerintheU.S.Senate,PresidentBidenadditionalcargoflow,weencourage was a steadfast ally of the U.S. maritime andincreased investment in the development shipbuilding industry. During the campaign, he said, I have beenand expansion of domestic marine highway corridors on our coasts a consistent and strong advocate for the Jones Act and its mandateand inland waterways.that only U.S.-flagged vessels carry cargo in the coastwise trade. As president, I will continue my strong support for the Jones Act. As a third-generation shipbuilder, I can say firsthand that it is time for a national conversation about preserving this all-important industry. The presidents continued support for the Jones Act, demonstratedAs countries like China and Russia continue to strengthen their byhisBuyAmericanExecutiveOrder,iscriticaltogrowingaeconomic and military presence around the globe, America needs its healthy economy, keeping our country safe and preserving the U.S.leaders to implement plans to ensure our industrial base is preserved industrial base. Our industry has boosted our economy by supportingand encouraged to grow. This is not only a matter of economic nearly650,000Americanjobsandcontributingmorethan$150security, but also national security.billion annually to the U.S. economy.FOGHORN FOCUS 18 FOGHORN'