Clyde Hart News

The year 2000 has enjoyed special significance as a transition year bridging two centuries. Similarly it has significance with U.S. lawmakers for the Second Session of the 106th Congress. As the last year of the currently elected Congress, this year anticipates action on a series of pending legislative measures and yet to be introduced proposals affecting the maritime industry. Specifically tax-related legislation and maritime policy-related legislation could be addressed. There are several tax-related provisions that could be considered. One of the main bills emphasizing maritime tax issues has been introduced in the House by Rep. Jim McCrery (R-LA) as H.R. 3225 and in the Senate by Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) as S. 1858. These bills include such measures as:A.

A shipping agreement, which was expected to be signed last Wednesday between the U.S. and Brazil reportedly will provide equal access to government business and nullify two taxes that had penalized U.S.-line shippers, U.S. officials said. U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, traveling in South America, said the three-year agreement would return U.S.-Brazil shipping to the "quality relationship" that had prevailed until recently for the last 30 years. "We will very soon sign the new maritime agreement with Brazil and we are very excited about that," Slater said during a telephone interview from Rio de Janeiro. U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart…

Totaling more than 37,000 vessels available to meet U.S. shippers' transportation needs, the U.S. domestic fleet is greater than previously reported, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). Released by MarAd administrator Clyde Hart, the report counts all commercial vessels in the American fleet, and highlights the magnitude and diversity of the American Jones Act fleet, as well as vessels engaged in domestic cargo and passenger trades. Of the 37,900 U.S.-flagged vessels, 37,308 operate domestically while the remaining 592 either participate in international trades or are part of the U.S. Government sealift fleet, MarAd said. Included in the domestic fleet are cargo ships and barges, select types of passenger vessels, tugs, towboats and workboats.

New statistics released by MarAd reveal a much larger and more diverse U.S.-flag fleet than ever before reported. The data, unveiled by MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart, shows the American fleet actually totals more than 37,000 vessels, and paints a picture of a robust and diverse fleet, with great capacity to meet U.S. shippers' transportation needs while also meeting strict U.S. environmental and safety standards. The new statistics underscore the value of the U.S. marine transportation system to the U.S. economy as it efficiently and effectively provides American businesses access to world suppliers and markets. The MarAd report brings into sharper focus the size and character of the U.S. Jones Act fleet, combining data on self-propelled vessels as well as barges for the first time.

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…