December 22, 2025

Jennifer A. Carpenter, President & CEO of the American Waterways Operators (AWO), representing the U.S. inland and coastal tugboat industry is also the President of the American Maritime Partnership.

In a video interview with AJOT, Carpenter addressed the following:

*This year’s low water levels on the Mississippi and the long-term challenges for the tug and barge industry.

* Challenges for Congress funding the rebuilding of locks and dams on the inland waterways is on-going. She praised the advocacy work of Waterways Council Inc in support of modernization.

* On the question, of continued support for the Jones Act amid criticism that it should be abolished, Carpenter argued: “Jones Act critics spill a lot of ink and make a lot of noise, but they don’t put America first – they have other priorities, like libertarian trade theology unsupported by American voters, and business interests not shared by the American workforce. Alarmingly, some libertarian dogmatists are alleged to have outright colluded with the European Union in a coordinated effort to undermine the Jones Act.”

* The Trump administration’s cancellation of offshore wind projects in 2025, resulted in project cutbacks at Atlantic and Pacific coast ports.  In California, ports at Long Beach and Humboldt Bay were projecting to contract for 10,000 new jobs that are now cancelled including for tug and barge work.  Carpenter said businesses need certainty if they are going to move forward with new investments and that prospect is not evident in offshore wind.

*Carpenter discussed the continued challenges women face in the U.S. maritime industry and progress the industry is making.

* Carpenter expressed the hope that the Ships for America Act, which would supports construction and acquisition of over 250 U.S. flag vessels, will eventually be enacted by Congress — in some form.

* Carpenter praised the work that U.S. shipbuilders are doing constructing vessels for the Jones Act fleet and for international trade.

* Carpenter discussed continuing efforts to recruit young people to work in the maritime industry.