The 1651 Act and Dutch carrying trade

The 1651 Act sought to protect a merchant fleet damaged by civil war while limiting Dutch participation in English trade. English ownership, masters, and majority crews were required for imports from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. European ships could still bring products from their own countries, but foreign carriers could not deliver third-country cargoes into England. The practical target was the profitable carrying trade in which Dutch merchants held a major advantage. The law redirected shipping income and capacity toward English vessels without imposing a complete embargo on Dutch goods.