• A Vital Lifeline: With Hawaiʻi’s remote location in the middle of the Pacific, relatively small population, and limited warehousing space and infrastructure, frequent replenishment of essential supplies is critical to maintaining our high standard of living.

• Well Established Network Of Resources: From shippers and freight forwarders to port facilities and ocean vessels to trucking and warehousing, Hawaiʻi’s supply chain is made up of many organizations working together to ensure the smooth and reliable flow of goods.

• Reliable Deliveries Even at the height of the pandemic, Hawaiʻi’s supply chain remained fully operational. Knowing the vital role they play as part of Hawaiʻi’s lifeline, U.S. crews, port workers, freight forwarders and truckers are deeply committed to keeping ports fluid and goods flowing into the community.

• An Economic Engine: American shipping companies are invested in Hawaiʻi, providing over $2 billion in transportation technology customized for the Hawaiʻi market, such as new ships, terminals, and equipment.* Tax revenues from the industry benefit residents by helping support the state’s education system, emergency response services, infrastructure, public transit systems and other essential services. 

• Good Paying Jobs: Hawaiʻi’s domestic maritime industry supports over 13,000 jobs and generates $787 million annually in wages.* Jobs include shipping agents and exporters, harbor pilots, ship’s officers and crews, port supervisors, crane operators, dockworkers, logistics managers, customs professionals, warehouse workers, maintenance workers, safety inspectors, marine engineers, marine surveyors and many others. The average pay for these jobs is often higher than in other local industries. 

• Supports Our Military: Hawaiʻi is home to several military bases, including Pearl Harbor, the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Commercial shipping plays a crucial supporting role in transporting U.S. government personnel, equipment and supplies to and from Hawaiʻi.

*Contributions of the Jones Act Shipping Industry to the U.S. Economy prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers for Transportation Institute (January 2019).