White House
DPW Controversy Continues
In its daily press briefing, the White House included a lengthy discussion of the process that led to the Administration’s approval of the acquisition by Dubai Ports World (DPW) of U.S. port facilities owned by P&O Ports. The White House also released a Fact Sheet outlining the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Representative Nadler (D-NY) wants the process stopped until Congress can review it thoroughly. Representative Pallone (D-NJ) is seeking legislation to keep ownership of American ports out of the hands of foreign governments. Representative Saxton (R-NJ) indicated that a Congressional hearing would be held in the near future to examine the planned transaction. Representative Fattah (D-PA) urged that the transaction be halted until all security concerns are met. source: HK Law
President Bush Announces STAR Initiative
In conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference in Los Cabos, Mexico, the White House issued a Fact Sheet discussing the Secure Trade in the APEC Region (STAR) Initiative, which is intended to enhance security while increasing trade. The STAR Initiative commits APEC economies to accelerate action on screening people and cargo for security before transit, increasing security on ships and airplanes while en route,
Administration Calls for Prompt Creation of Department of Homeland Security
Citing, among other things, the explosion on the French supertanker LIMBURG in waters of Yemen, the White House issued Remarks of Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and other Administration officials calling on Congress to promptly enact legislation to establish the Department of Homeland Security. Source: HK Law
LIMBURG Subject of Terrorist Attack
In Remarks released by the White House, President Bush stated that he believes the attack on the LIMBURG is terrorist-related and that he assumes that al Qaeda was involved.
This Day in Naval History - July 04
From the Navy News Service 1776 - American colonies declare their independence from Great Britain. 1777 - John Paul Jones hoists first Stars and Stripes flag on Ranger at Portsmouth, N.H. 1801 - First Presidential Review of U.S. Marine Band and Marines at the White House. 1831 - U.S. concludes indemnity treaty with France. 1842 - First test of electrically operated underwater torpedo sinks gunboat Boxer. 1863 - Confederates surrender of Vicksburg, Miss
Maritime Transportation Act Signed into Law
The White House issued a Press Release stating, among other things, that President Bush signed into law the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 (H.R. 2443). In addition to serving as the annual authorization act for the Coast Guard and the Federal Maritime Commission, this law inserts an exemption for certain passive owners (primarily institutional lenders) into OPA 90, mandates oil spill response plans for non-tank vessels in excess of 400 gross tons
New Chair Selected for MTS National Advisory Council
John Gaughan, Vice President of the American Maritime Congress, has been selected as the new chairman of the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC). Gaughan served in the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director, White House Military Office, for Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush. He also served at the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as Maritime Administrator from 1985-1989 and as DOT Chief of Staff from 1989-1991.
Port Controversy Continues
The controversy over the planned acquisition of six port facilities in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami, and New Orleans by UAE-based Dubai Ports World (DPW) continues apace. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) issued a Press Release stating that he is asking the Administration to delay the acquisition until a detailed briefing is provided. Representative Chris Shays (R-CT) is seeking a new thorough federal review of the acquisition
Panama, U.S. Sign ship-boarding Agreement
The White House issued a statement by the President welcoming the signing by Panama and the United States of an agreement providing for the boarding of ships on the high seas in support of efforts of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) to stop trade in deadly weapons and materials. The U.S. Department of State released Remarks made by the Panamanian Minister of Government and Justice and the U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security during the signing ceremony
Hornblower Employees Lead Fleet Week
Hornblower Cruises & Events' employees have led a movement among San Francisco's sailing and boating community to celebrate Spirit of Fleet Week in lieu of the cancellation of this weekend's events. Bringing together historic and recreation vessels, a Parade of Ships is planned for October 6 and 7 at 3:00 p.m. After learning the fate of this year's Fleet Week, Hornblower employees searched for another venue to express their appreciation to America's Armed Forces and raise money for the
Port of LA Names Janna Sidley General Counsel
She will supervise the City Attorney’s Port operations & serve as in-house counsel to Port management and the Los Angeles Harbor Commission. Janna Sidley replaces Tom Russell, who retired from the position last year. “Janna will lead a talented legal team already in
Conference to Follow Up President's Port Investment Push
The upcoming Infocast presented 'Port & Intermodal Finance & Investment Summit' will be hosted & sponsored by the Port of Miami, FL. President Obama recently outlined a program of bonds and other measures to encourage such spending on roads
Holdren to Report on Obama Administration Science and Technology Policy
On May 8, 2013, Dr. John P. Holdren will be the keynote speaker in the President’s Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted by Stevens Institute of Technology President Nariman Farvardin. Holdren is Assistant to the President for Science and Technology
U.S. National Ocean Policy Plan Released
The Obama Administration releases its final plan for translating the National Ocean Policy into on-the-ground actions to benefit the American people. With significant public input from a wide spectrum of individuals and interests, the final Implementation Plan focuses on improving coordination
WCI Chairman on Lower Miss. Dredging Emergency
Rick Calhoun, President of Cargo Carriers (Cargill) and Chairman of Waterways Council, Inc., released the following statement today regarding the state of emergency on the Lower Mississippi River: “The inland waterways navigation system is the most important transportation asset in
MTN Names Olivier President, CEO
MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) said that Errol Olivier was appointed President and CEO. Olivier most recently served as the company’s President and COO. Olivier has over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry
Iran Refrains from Oil Delivery to Greece
TEHRAN (FNA) - A Greek tanker returned home unloaded after Iran refrained from supplying crude oil to the crisis hit European state, FNA learned on Sunday. According to FNA dispatches, Iran refrained from supplying the 500,000-barrel cargo to the Greek tanker which was due to deliver it to
Experts Named to Evaluate Recommendations of Cruise Industry Safety Review
Washington, D.C. —The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced that it has appointed a panel of maritime and safety experts to provide an impartial assessment of the recommendations developed by the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review, launched in January, 2012.
Engine Manufacturer's Eduction Program Interests White House
Tognum America’s proposed education program gains White House attention Representatives of Tognum America Inc., a subsidiary of Tognum AG, were invited to meet with representatives of the White House and the U.S. Department of Education
Engineering Apprentices Train Worldwide with Tognum
148 young people start their apprenticeships in Germany & at other locations, including America for the first time. Tognum has taken the German version of cooperative education to the U.S. for the first time and is applying it at its subsidiary, Tognum America.
Lonza Applauds U.S. Joining International Treaty
Lonza Applauds U.S. Joining International Treaty to Control Harmful Anti-fouling Coatings Systems on Ships Lonza Microbial Control, which has long been an active supporter of an international treaty to assure the use of environmentally sound marine coatings products
Latest Water Forecast for Mississippi River
In an effort to keep apprised of the ever-changing hydrograph forecasts, yesterday the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released water storage again (first release was on December 15) from Carlyle Lake located on the Kaskaskia River near St. Louis to support the continuation of navigation on the
Impact of Potential Mississippi River Closure Revised
Effective Shutdown of Nation’s Busiest Water Transportation Artery Looms Between Early- to Mid-January. The American Waterways Operators (AWO) and Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) have released revised data on the economic impact of an effective shutdown of the Mississippi River
Legal End to Presidential Yacht Wrangle
New York Supreme Court Judge dismisses legal complaint against owners of Presidential Yacht 'Sequoia'. The Supreme Court of the State of New York has dismissed a frivolous legal complaint against FE Partners, LLC, that alleged it tried to improperly wrest control of the former Presidential Yacht
MEBA Calls for Food For Peace Funding
The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association calls for the protection of U.S. maritime and agricultural jobs. The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.) stands with 21 U.S. Senators and its United States maritime industry partners in protecting thousands of U.S