Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council News

U.S. carrier Matson announced it promoted three executives to the company's senior leadership team, effective immediately.Branton "Bal" Dreyfus, Vice President, Alaska, has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Alaska in recognition of Matson's growing scope of operations, continuing investment in and long-term commitment to serving Alaska. Dreyfus will continue to report directly to Matt Cox, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.Capt. John "Jack" Sullivan, Vice President, Vessel Operations and Engineering…

Foss Maritime announced that John Parrott will join the Foss executive team as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Parrott comes to Foss from sister company, TOTE Maritime Alaska, where he has served as President for sixteen years. In his new role as Foss' COO, Parrott will be responsible for overseeing key operating divisions, developing and delivering on strategic plans, and optimizing day-to-day operations through implementation of best practices throughout the organization. After 10 years sailing aboard a wide range of vessels in trade routes around the world…

It takes nonstop work to maintain America’s position in today’s global economy. Every day we compete against strong international rivals for demanding foreign and domestic customers. Thankfully, the American economy has a large-scale, crucial asset that gives us an edge on the rest of the world: over 28,000 miles of inland river and coastal waterways with consistent navigation at suitable depths (9 feet during 9 months of the year) – more any other nation on earth. Although we have the world’s greatest industrially-useful waterway network, we are barely using its full capacity.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) informs it has elected Kristin Decas, CEO and port director for the Port of Hueneme (Calif.) as its incoming chair for AAPA’s 2014-2015 activity year. Ms. Decas will take office at the conclusion of the association’s annual convention in Houston in November. “The upcoming activity year will be an exciting one and we look forward to Kristen’s leadership as AAPA continues to address the issues of most relevance and importance to all our member ports,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA president and CEO. “Kristin is a proven leader and will be a great asset to AAPA, and to the port industry. Ms. Decas took over as the Port of Hueneme’s CEO in February 2012.

On Tuesday, May 6, at 9 a.m. EDT, the Maritime Administration and the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council will host the second National Maritime Strategy Symposium in Washington, D.C. Building upon the first Symposium held in January, this public meeting will focus on domestic U.S. maritime issues, including ports, shipping, shipyards, environmental compliance and maritime energy use, and labor and workforce development. Speakers include: Anthony Foxx, Secretary of Transportation…

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the appointment of 10 new members to the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC). Established in 2010, MTSNAC is comprised of leaders from commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academics, and environmental groups that advise the Secretary on policies to ensure that the U.S. Marine Transportation System is capable of responding to projected trade increases.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today announced the appointment of 29 members to the new Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC), established to advise the Department on matters relating to marine transportation. “Shifting some of our freight from the highways to open inland waterways is a fuel-efficient, cost-effective way to move goods and reduce roadway congestion,” said Secretary LaHood. The Department will task the MTSNAC with developing recommendations on establishing new marine highway services and port infrastructure development, among other issues. “The experience brought to bear by this diverse panel is impressive,” said Maritime Administrator David Matsuda. “These maritime experts have a lot to contribute.

The Maritime Administration is accepting applications from prospective members who wish to participate in the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council. MTSNAC advises and makes policy recommendations on the effective use and expansion of America’s Marine Highways; waterways and ports, and related intermodal, road, rail and marine highway connections. Application must be received by November 17. For additional information, contact Richard Lolich at [email protected] or (202) 366-0704.

Secretary LaHood for the Department of Transportation addressed the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council on July 23, 2009. Consistent with America’s Marine Highway Program’s mandates to reduce congestion, conserve energy, and improve the environment, the Secretary charged the Council to better integrate the Marine Transportation System into the surface transportation system. By relocating freight from highways and urban corridors to commercial waterways (where applicable), the same system which provides the transportation of individuals and families in and between cities can provide a more efficient means to move goods to the shelves of retail stores throughout the United States.

The Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council, sponsored by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), will meet in Seattle, Washington on January 9 and 10. Topics on the agenda include future workforce needs, environmental issues, freight mobility, and public and private data collection efforts, as well as addressing MTSNAC’s ten public/private recommendations. 72 Fed. Reg. 73421 (HK Law)

On Thursday, October 18, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta will deliver opening remarks at the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council meeting in Baltimore. The Secretary will brief council members on marine transportation system capacity and port security issues. The council meeting is open for public observation. The council is comprised of leaders from over 30 commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, recreational boating interests, academics and environmental groups. Its purpose is to advise the Secretary of Transportation on issues involving the Marine Transportation System – a system of waterways…

Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert praised progress being made by an advisory group on recommendations to improve the nation's marine transportation system and enhance its security. During a two-day session in New Orleans that concluded Tuesday, the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) endorsed the work of its SEA-21 working group and said it planned to finalize its recommendations by the end of July. possible,” said Administrator Schubert. The largest group of the draft recommendations focuses on security. international maritime security standards. Efforts to streamline the process for implementing marine transportation system projects.

The initial members of the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) established to advise the U.S. Secretary of Transportation were announced by U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart, Jr. The council will address strategies to ensure a safe, environmentally sound, and secure Marine Transportation System (MTS) that improves the global competitiveness and national security of the U.S.; issues and concerns raised by the marine transportation industry; and other matters at the Secretary's request.

The Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC), sponsored by the Secretary of Transportation, will meet in Long Beach, Calif., on August 13 and 14, 2002. Items on the agenda include SEA-21 and related issues.

On August 13-14, the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) is scheduled to consider an industry proposal to upgrade the nation's marine infrastructure. Commending the Council's work, Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Most trade analysts agree that international trade will at least double by the year 2020 triggering surface transportation gridlock. As a result, the Council has focused on the use of water transportation and the role our waterway system can play in the solution to our nation's highway and rail congestion. During a meeting, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach, CA, the…

The Maritime Administration has chartered the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC), an outgrowth of Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater's 1999 report to Congress, "An Assessment of the U.S. The council will provide advice to the Secretary of Transportation, via the Maritime Administrator, on the current and future needs of the marine transportation system (MTS) and recommended strategies, policies, and goals for meeting them. The council will consist of no more than 30 representatives from non-federal organizations representing a broad cross-section of MTS stakeholders, including: vessel owners and operators…

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. The MTSNAC is a chartered, non-federal body that advises the Secretary of Transportation on Marine Transportation System issues. The Council's membership is comprised of leaders from 30 commercial transportation firms…