Page 38: of Marine News Magazine (November 2023)

37 39

Feature

Shipyards

SCA SCA

Matthew Paxton, President, Paula Zorensky, VP,

Shipbuilders Council of America Shipbuilders Council of America and investments. nent residents. However, there is an exemption for foreign “We don’t need everything to be in the weeds,” Zoren- owned vessels in order to be fair when American mariners sky commented, “but consistent and predictable rulings are hired for foreign offshore projects.

are important for ? nance and for American shipbuilders.” But this fair play allowance needs review, the maritime organizations wrote to Sen. Cassidy. They explain: “In practice, the exemption has not provided reciprocal

Domestic/foreign parity in employment access to foreign waters for U.S. mariners or companies

Another top concern, and one still at play in Congress, but has allowed foreign vessels owned by foreign companies is legislation impacting U.S. workers on new offshore en- headquartered in some of the wealthiest countries to utilize ergy projects. This effort was initiated by Sen. Bill Cassidy mariners from low-wage nations. When employed in our (R-La.) in February 2022 when he introduced the “Ameri- waters, these mariners are not paid U.S. wages, but wages can Offshore Worker Fairness Act (AOWFA).” Cassidy re? ecting the rates paid in the international market.” said the bill “provides a level playing ? eld between U.S.

Cassidy’s bill is now part of HR 2741, the Coast Guard ? agged vessels and foreign-? agged vessels working in off-

Authorization Act of 2023. In a background document shore energy activities in U.S. waters.”

More than 100 maritime companies and organizations, SCA writes that AOWFA “is likely to result in more do- mestic shipbuilding for the U.S. offshore wind market.” including SCA’s Matthew Paxton, signed a letter endors-

By closing domestic-foreign employment loopholes, SCA ing AOWFA. The letter provides insights into US busi- ness’ concerns. It notes that all vessels, rigs, platforms, writes that “companies who wish to operate in the Ameri- or other structures on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf can offshore wind market will be compelled to make in- vestments in U.S.-built vessels.” (OCS) are to be staffed by U.S. citizens or lawful perma- 38 | MN November 2023