# Plain Language Summary: Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023

This bill makes it easier for foreign-owned cargo ships to deliver goods to Alaska, Hawaii, and other U.S. territories that aren't connected to the mainland. Currently, federal law requires that cargo shipped between the U.S. mainland and these distant locations must travel on American-owned and American-built ships. This restriction, known as the "Jones Act," keeps shipping costs high because there aren't many American vessels available for these routes. The bill creates an exception allowing foreign-flagged cargo ships to carry merchandise to and from these noncontiguous areas, which should increase competition and potentially lower shipping costs for residents and businesses in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and similar locations.

To qualify for this exception, foreign ships must meet specific requirements: they need to be at least 1,000 tons, registered in a foreign country, and employ American citizens according to the same standards applied to U.S.-registered vessels. The bill also requires these foreign ships to follow all American environmental regulations and international labor standards for seafarers. Additionally, foreign ship owners operating in U.S. waters must name a legal representative in the U.S., comply with all American laws including environmental and tax requirements, and keep records of their port visits and coastwise trips.

The bill includes protections for American workers by ensuring that crew members on these foreign vessels have access to injury compensation through the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, the same protection available to workers on American ships. It also requires that all vessels—whether American or foreign—operating in U.S. coastal trade follow the same safety and environmental standards, preventing foreign operators from cutting corners. Overall, this legislation aims to reduce shipping costs for remote American communities while maintaining labor protections and environmental safeguards.

Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023

Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023This bill establishes a limited exception to coastwise laws to allow foreign-flag freight vessels to transport merchandise domestically to or from a port in the noncontiguous United States. The bill also addresses various issues related to foreign-flag freight vessels engaged in coastwise trade (i.e., domestic waterborne trade between U.S. ports).&nbsp;Under the coastwise laws, commonly known as the Jones Act, a freight vessel may not transport merchandise&nbsp;between U.S. ports unless it is U.S.-built, at least 75% owned by U.S. citizens, and mostly crewed by U.S. citizens. The bill authorizes&nbsp;qualifying foreign-flag vessels to transport merchandise between (1) a port in the contiguous United States and a port in the noncontiguous United States (i.e., Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession); or (2) two ports in the noncontiguous United States.&nbsp;Under the bill, all foreign-flag freight vessels operating in U.S. coastwise trade must comply with the (1) minimum international labor standards applicable to U.S. seafarers, and (2) same environmental standards that apply to U.S. vessels.The bill authorizes such&nbsp;operators to participate in the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation program on behalf of masters and crew members they employ.The bill also requires foreign-flag vessel owners and operators engaging in coastwise trade to identify an agent for service of process, abide by U.S. tax and other laws, and maintain specified documentation on board.&nbsp;Additionally, lawsuits against such vessels alleging personal injury or death must be brought in U.S. district court.&nbsp;