New York has concluded that its ability to meet its nation-leading 2.4GW offshore wind target will not be compromised by the US Jones Act, says John Rhodes, chief executive of the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), the state’s clean-energy agency.

The controversial Jones Act stems from a 1920 law, and restricts many commercial activities in US waters to US-built ships owned and operated by US citizens – adding substantial cost and logistical complexity to many maritime industries, including perhaps the incipient offshore wind sector.