Page 72: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2026)

The Final Word: Shipbuilding

THE US MARITIME SHOW

COMING TO A THEATER NEAR

YOU – WATCH THE TRAILER

By Bob Kunkel ith only a few weeks derway and anticipating the movie ? ag after November 15th. remaining in the cal- release, let’s provide this opinion as Consider this discussion as the endar countdown, a “trailer”. opening scene of the “trailer” on the largest collection The Department of Homeland December 1. Question if the show

W of U.S. Maritime owners. operators, Security issued a “Jones Act” waiver opens with a group photo of roughly seafarers, shipyards and supply chain on March 17, 2026. The longest four thousand cheering the Depart- manufacturers will assemble again in and broadest waiver of the Act since ment of Homeland Security an-

New Orleans, La., during the ? rst the end of World War II. We believe nouncement that the waiver has end- week of December. Much like a Hol- this to be a lead topic of discussion ed and no further extensions will be lywood production, the week can be at the maritime show in Louisiana, issued by the Administration. Or will a prequel, sequel, saga or franchise considering the current extension the announcement extend the waiver blockbuster. Standing with the US is listed to expire on November 15, into another period?

Maritime industry we should hope 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The “end” pro- A follow-on extension will result for a long running franchise. vided that energy products included in a call for a moment of silence in

The attendees visiting the city this in the waiver are loaded prior to the New Orleans signaling the possible year will be faced with more than expiration date and time. Foreign loss of 90,000 American seafaring several important dates and activi- ? ag voyages & cargo moved during jobs, and adding thousands of lost ties forcing decisions prior to their the waiver is reaching over 400 voy- employment opportunities in ship- arrival. Decisions determining their ages and millions of barrels of petro- building and port operations. All oc- anticipation or anxiety when answers leum distributed. A strong indication curring during the year of “Maritime are received. Those dates and deci- the market is important to the US Dominance”. With that thought let’s sions are also occurring after releas- Flag and commerce. Future invento- remember trailers never give up the ing this editorial opinion. For us to ries and movements will be affected movie ending.

predict how these decisions will fall despite a new extension announced We intend to arrive as “extras” is likely compared to a Tarot Card or not as we enter into the winter with balloons and the hope to cel- reading or a visit to a Voodoo priest- season. A rush to load cargo prior to ebrate the end of the extensions, ess. After all this is New Orleans. midnight of the end date will occur. followed by support of the Flag

With “? lming & production” un- Cargo will be delivered by foreign and coastal registry in the Ships for 72 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • November 2026

MR #11 (66-76).indd 72 MR #11 (66-76).indd 72 11/4/2026 10:06:31 AM11/4/2026 10:06:31 AM