Workboat show starts in New Orleans next week. The exhibitor list is extensive. Did not count, must be hundreds.
International WorkBoat Show 2024: Exhibitors…
Guessing, 3/4 would be out of business without the Jones act. Imagine cookie cutter European designed Tugs built and fitted out in Asia delivered by foreign semi submersible ships to American buyers . It’s already happening with European buyers & American Yachts & could quickly spread to domestic work boats of all types.
Builders are spread throughout the US. They could lobby local representatives, Senate and Congress to maintain protections. I don’t see organized efforts from this segment, may be, it’s certainly not well known.