Federal Maritime Acts: How Old Legislation Affects the Port of Baltimore Today

By Gabriella Parker

Edited by Hannah Hornberger

The Jones Act came at a time when US shipbuilding was increasing. (US National Archives)

The Deepwater Port Act of 1974 and the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act, are two significant pieces of legislation that have shaped the maritime industry in the United States. These acts play crucial roles in regulating the construction, operation, and maintenance of the maritime facilities and vessels, thereby ensuring the efficient and safe transportation of goods and energy resources.

History of the Deepwater Port Act

The Deepwater Port Act controls where and how deepwater ports can be built and operated, allowing for the safe and efficient transport of oil and natural gas. Deepwater ports are typically located in waters beyond the US territorial sea. These ports are connected to the mainland by pipelines, allowing for the transportation of oil and natural gas to and from these offshore facilities. The locations of these ports are strategically chosen to minimize environmental impacts and maximize transportation efficiency.

Deepwater ports handle large volumes of oil and natural gas, involving numerous vessels and extensive infrastructure. The exact size can vary, but these ports are crucial for the energy supply chain.

As it exists in US law today: 46 US Code App Ch. 24 MERCHANT MARINE ACT, 1920

History of the Merchant Marine Act

Enacted in the aftermath of World War I, the Jones Act aimed to bolster the US maritime industry. The war revealed the nation's vulnerabilities in shipping capabilities, prompting the need for robust merchant marine. Baltimore’s port, with its strategic location and extensive shipping activities, has long been an essential part of the US maritime infrastructure.

The US Merchant Marine was the chief beneficiary of the Jones Act. These papers, from WWII, are for a 17-year-old merchant seaman. They are dated 1944. (US National Archives)

This act regulates maritime commerce in US waters and between US ports. It requires that goods transported by water between US ports be carried on ships that are built, owned and operated by US citizens. The act also defines certain rights for seamen, including the right to seek compensation for injuries sustained while working. For Baltimore, this means that domestic maritime trade through the port must be conducted by US-flagged ships, ensuring compliance with national standards. Shipping companies operating in and out of Baltimore must use US-flagged ships for domestic trade. For Baltimore, it supports the local economy, ensuring job security for maritime workers and protecting the port's strategic interests in national defense and economic security.

These acts remain important today as they continue to support the US maritime industry, ensuring that the nation has a capable and safe merchant marine for times of war and national emergencies. These acts help protect American jobs and promote economic security through limitations on foreign competition in domestic shipping.