The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has raised concerns about the potential consequences of the proposed American Offshore Worker Fairness Act (AOWFA), cautioning that it could hinder the development of offshore energy projects in the United States by restricting the availability of vessels and crews.
The legislation seeks to impose limitations on the number of non-US citizens working on foreign-flagged vessels in the country. Proposed amendments include requirements for crews of foreign-flagged vessels operating in US waters to be either US citizens, legal permanent residents, or citizens of the vessel's flag nation. Additionally, foreign mariners would need permits to work, and foreign vessels would have to reapply for new letters based on current ownership. The US Coast Guard (USCG) would be tasked with annual inspections of foreign vessels, with substantial fines for violations.
However, the IMCA has expressed reservations, pointing out that the US is currently grappling with a shortage of mariners, making it challenging for American companies to adequately staff existing fleets. The legislation, if enacted, would potentially necessitate foreign vessels to replace entire crews with untrained and inexperienced US mariners, who may not be readily available.
The AOWFA is awaiting consideration by both houses of the US Congress, having successfully passed the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. IMCA CEO Iain Grainger emphasized the potential drawbacks of the proposed legislation, stating, “This proposed legislation ignores the reality for offshore delivery in wind markets around the globe. There is a worldwide shortage of specialist vessels, a limited talent pool with the skills, knowledge, and experience required to operate them safely, and huge demands driven by the move to Net Zero and energy security concerns.”
Grainger urged legislators to consider the complexities of the industry beyond simplistic rhetoric, emphasizing that a tightening of restrictions on offshore workers could make the US an unattractive place to do business, adversely affecting the country's energy ambitions and strategy.
