What’s the Cost of Unscheduled Lock Outages?
Unscheduled lock closures burden the shipper supply chain by more than $1 billion annually, according to estimates from two Tennessee universities. A study, “The Impacts of Unscheduled Lock Outages”, released today by the National Waterways Foundation (NWF) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD), looks at the economic impacts of unscheduled lock outages and highlights economic benefits associated with reliable inland waterways navigation. The Center for Transportation Research…
Suisun Bay Vessel Removal Project Completed
Maritime Administration Executive Director Joel Szabat joined federal, state and local officials and environmental groups to mark the completion of an agreement to remove 57 non-retention vessels from the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet (SBRF) by September 30, 2017. The departure of the Cape Borda for recycling reaches the milestone two months ahead of schedule. “Our progress in Suisun Bay is the result of hard work and smart collaboration,” said the Maritime Administration’s Executive Director Joel Szabat. “There is perhaps no greater symbol of the maritime industry’s environmental progress than what has been accomplished here. In 2009, MARAD entered an agreement with local officials and environmental groups to expedite disposal of 57 non-retention SBRF vessels…
Buzby Confirmed as MARAD Administrator
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Mark H. Buzby as the new administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD). MARAD executive director Joel Szabat had been serving in lieu of the administrator following the departure of outgoing administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen. Buzby, who was nominated by President Donald Trump in June, is a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) alumnus and retired U.S. Navy admiral with a military career spanning over three decades at sea and ashore. He was most recently president and CEO of National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA).
Study Examines Economic Impact of US Waterways
A study unveiled today documents the contribution of the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry to the U.S. economy. The study, developed through a cooperative agreement between the American Waterways Operators (AWO) and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, explores the industry's economic contributions to employment, gross domestic product and taxes at the national and state levels; details the types and quantities of vital commodities transported on American waterways…
MARAD Funding Available for Small Shipyards
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has made available nearly $10 million in grant funding for improvements to small shipyards. There is currently $9.8 million available under the Small Shipyard Grant Program for capital and related improvements to qualified shipyard facilities that will be effective in fostering efficiency, competitive operations and quality ship construction, repair and reconfiguration, MARAD said. “Waterways and small shipyards are a critical component…
Senate Hearing on USMMA Issues Scheduled
The Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Senate Committee on Appropriations will hold a hearing on 5 April to examine protecting midshipmen, focusing on preventing sexual assault and sexual harassment at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Senator Susan Collins (R- ME) will chair the meeting. Details of the event can be found HERE Witnesses will include: Mr. Joel Szabat / Executive Director / U.S. Maritime Administration Rear Admiral James Helis / Superintendent / U.S. Merchant Marine Academy The Honorable Calvin Scovel, III / Inspector General / U.S. Department of Transportation
USMMA Resumes Commercial Sea Year
On February 15, we announced that Sea Year training for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Midshipmen will resume on three commercial carriers – Crowley Maritime Corporation, Maersk Line Limited and American President Line. This followed implementation of comprehensive new requirements for commercial carriers to ensure that the academy’s standards for behavior, leadership and integrity are upheld. I’m now pleased to announce that last week another commercial carrier, TOTE Services…
Commercial Sea Training Resumes for USMMA Cadets
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) has announced that Sea Year training for USMMA Midshipmen will resume on three commercial carriers beginning in March 2017. The reinstatement of the program follows the implementation of comprehensive new policies, including a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault and sexual harassment to ensure that the Academy’s standards for behavior, leadership and integrity are upheld. “I commend the maritime industry’s efforts to combat sexual assault…
Military To Maritime: Connecting Veterans to Work Opportunities
Paul "Chip" Jaenichen, Acting Administrator at the Maritime Administration (MARAD) draws attention to a recent Military 2 Maritime information and recruiting session, hosted by the American Maritime Partnership in Jacksonville, Florida, to help steer veterans toward the opportunities available in the maritime industry. "We at the Maritime Administration (MARAD) are proud to be associated with an industry that doesn't just open its doors to America's veterans, but actively helps them navigate the transition to civilian careers. Through licensing and certification information, support for maritime academies, and our work with stakeholders, MARAD is actively engaged in making this transition easier.
Toledo Maritime Academy Hosts Admiral’s Ball Weekend
The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation wrapped up a successful Admiral’s Ball Weekend on Saturday, April 12, with the fourth Annual Admiral’s Ball and Charity Auction. More than 130 people attended the event which brought in $22,000 for the educational needs for cadets at the school. The theme for this year’s event was “Chart Their Course for Success With Us”. It was sponsored by The Toledo Blade, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, Dickenson Wright PLLC, Genoa Bank, IBEW, Local 8, as well as Ed Conn and Saga Schoffner.
