Bush Administration Deems Jones Act ‘Essential’
In its first public statement on the Jones Act, the Bush Administration has declared the law must be maintained as “an essential element of U.S. maritime policy that provides important economic and national security benefits to the nation, such as support of the U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta made the statement in response to a written question following his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee. The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between U.S. ports be carried in vessels that are U.S.-owned, -built and -crewed. Similar U.S. cabotage laws reserve the movement of passengers and the performance of marine services such as dredging, towing and salvage to U.S.-owned, -built and -crewed vessels.
Naval Shipbuilders Try to Get More for Less
As it becomes abundantly clear that a major injection of dollars is not imminent for the U.S. Naval shipbuilding sector, industry leaders met recently to mull ideas on getting more for less. Several hundred people gathered at a recent Plenary Session of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) to hear shipbuilding industry executives and Navy brass discuss how to produce more ships for the same dollar. Both agreed they must work together to achieve this goal. "We are not making it in terms of a 300-ship Navy," said Vice Admiral Pete Nanos, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. He explained that without an infusion of cash or the dramatic implementation of new technology and business processes, the U.S.
Walpert Appointed SCA Director Emeritus
The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) selected Harvey B. Walpert to be the first ever Director Emeritus of SCA in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the maritime industry. Bruce Croushore, Vice President of Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc. of Mobile, AL and past Chairman of SCA, presented the award during the SCA Fall Meeting in Amelia Island, FL on September 29, 2005. Mr. Walpert’s shipbuilding experience includes 22 years at Electric Boat Corporation, a division of General Dynamics, and 22 years at Halter Marine Group (currently VT Halter Marine, Inc.). He has served in his current position as a Senior Defense Advisor for Bender for more than 5 years.
