Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) issued the following statement to recognize National Maritime Day and the role of the Maritime Industry in Virginia and the United States following a recent study by PricewaterhouseCoopers: 

“The U.S. Maritime Industry plays an important role in Virginia’s economy and workforce, especially in the First District. The recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers emphasizes the contributions a strong Maritime Industry has in the success of coastal states such as Virginia, and we must continue to promote measures that enhance their efforts in growing our economy and supporting our Armed Forces. I’m proud to recognize the Maritime Industry on National Maritime Day for their success in building the Commonwealth’s economy and job market, and strengthening our national security, and I thank them for everything they do.”

According to the findings of an updated study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on behalf of the Transportation Institute (TI), the American Maritime industry continues to fuel a strong economy for Virginia, including 19,280 jobs, $4.1 billion in economic activity and $1.33 billion in worker income. In Virginia’s 1st congressional district alone, American Maritime supports 830 jobs and $140 million in economic activity. 

The study recognizes the important contributions of the Jones Act, a foundational law that requires that cargo transported between all U.S. points be carried by American-built, -owned and -crewed vessels in supporting this essential industry. This ensures job opportunities for the people of Virginia, and that the armed forces can call upon American maritime in times of need for shipbuilding and sealift capacity. 

May 22nd was declared National Maritime Day in 1933 to honor the SS Savannah’s 1819 departure from Georgia to Liverpool, UK to become the first successful steam-powered ship to successfully cross any ocean. Since that historic departure, the American Maritime Industry has grown to nationally support 650,000 jobs, over 72 billion in value-added economic impact, and 41 billion in labor income thanks to the Jones Act.