GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

Jones Act Shipbuilding Standards

Jones Act Shipbuilding Standards are the technical and legal construction requirements that the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 imposes on vessels engaged in U.S.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/coastwise-shipping-provisions-coastwise-requirements

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

110

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Jones Act Shipbuilding Standards are the technical and legal construction requirements that the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 imposes on vessels engaged in U.S. domestic waterborne trade. A vessel qualifies only if it is built in the United States, owned wholly or predominantly by U.S. citizens or corporations, registered under the U.S. flag, and crewed exclusively by U.S. citizens. All four conditions must be satisfied simultaneously; failing any single one disqualifies the vessel from carrying cargo between U.S. ports. The U.S. Coast Guard enforces these standards through regular inspections and vessel certification. For shipowners, compliance translates into capital and operating costs that far exceed those typical of internationally sourced tonnage.