New data released shows that Louisiana ranks first in the nation in economic impact from America’s domestic maritime industry. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry, joined with the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA); the American Waterways Operators (AWO); Sens. Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and David Vitter (R-La.); and Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Charles Boustany (R-La.), and Cedric Richmond (D-La.) to highlight new information that shows the state’s 54,850 maritime jobs pump more than $11.3 billion annually into the Louisiana economy. America’s robust domestic maritime industry includes vessel operators, marine terminals, shipyards, and workers engaged in the movement of cargo exclusively within the United States. According to a study commissioned by the Transportation Institute and conducted by Pricewaterhouse-Coopers (PwC), Louisiana also ranks first in the country in maritime jobs per capita, with one in every 83 jobs connected to the state’s domestic maritime industry, nearly twice that of any other state. Louisiana also ranks third in the nation in shipbuilding, according to a recent study by the U.S. Maritime Administration covering commercial and military construction. Shipbuilding accounts for 29,250 jobs and more than $2.23 billion in annual economic impact for the state. Members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation strongly support their state’s domestic maritime industry and emphasized the foundation of its strength comes from the Jones Act, which is critical to the military strategy of the United States and ensures the availability of a shipyard industrial base to support national defense needs. “Maritime is the one of the largest industries in Louisiana, behind oil and gas and agriculture. But we wouldn’t be standing here today to tout this economic prowess of the maritime industry in Louisiana if it weren’t for the Jones Act. The Jones Act is a jobs act- pure and simple,” said Sen. Landrieu.  “I will continue to do all that I can to ensure the Jones Act is properly enforced and Louisiana maritime jobs are protected.” “Louisiana’s maritime jobs aren’t just important to our state’s economy – they play an incredibly vital role in our national economy,” Sen. Vitter said. “Our position in the maritime industry makes Louisiana a true point of economic strength. I support the Jones Act because it protects those jobs here in Louisiana, as well as our national security.” “The American maritime industry is leading an economic recovery and investing in America's waterways infrastructure,” said Rep. Scalise. “Waterborne commerce and our nation’s maritime base are vital to America's economy, security and quality of life. I’m proud to stand in support of the Jones Act, which is critical to our national security and a public policy success story.” “Louisiana shipyards build every kind of seagoing vessel from giant cryogenic ships used to transport liquefied natural gas to some of the largest offshore oil and gas exploration rigs in the world,” said Rep. Boustany. “Louisiana also builds merchant vessels, Coast Guard cutters, barges, tugs, supply boats, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and river patrol boats. The shipbuilding industry provides stability throughout the state, in the form of jobs, development, investment, and community support. I'll continue to support the Jones Act and stand with my Congressional colleagues, determined to protect and develop the domestic maritime industry.” “The maritime industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, and the Jones Act is essential in sustaining that vitality,” Rep. Richmond said. “478,440 jobs across the country and 54,850 in Louisiana are a direct result of the maritime industry and the Jones Act ensures that these jobs remain American jobs. I am a strong supporter of maritime commerce and will continue to advocate for an equal playing field in the industry so that it has the best opportunity to thrive here at home.”