MarAd has named James D. Pugh to head its Office of Marine Highways and Passenger Services in Jim will focus on expanding the use of ’s coastal, intracoastal and inland waterways to reduce landside congestion, reduce energy consumption and increase opportunities for American mariners, shipbuilding and the overall economy. He will also oversee the office of Passenger Vessel Services, which was established to support the passenger and cruise industry and its multi-billion dollar contribution to the economy as well as the congestion relief that passenger ferries offer nationwide.
Prior to this assignment, Jim was the Deputy Division Chief in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Domestic Ports Division. He brings over three decades of marine transportation experience to the position, including Executive Director of the Port of Houston, Executive Director of the Indiana Port Commission, Senior Director in the Port of San Diego, President of the first scheduled containership service from Memphis to Central America. Jim also served as Vice Chairman of the American Association of Port Authorities.