CBP Issues Further Guidance With Respect To Application Of Jones Act To The Offshore Wind Market

Yesterday the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) published a new ruling on Jones Act compliance in the installation of offshore wind turbines. While the ruling addresses and confirms several established compliance points in the rapidly developing U.S. wind market, CBP introduced a new wrinkle that will aid U.S. vessel owners. First, the new development. Offshore installations are often connected by subsea pipes and cables, and at times these pipes and cables need to be protected by placing concrete mats over them after the initial installation on the seafloor.