Port Council News

Seafarers International Union President Emeritus Michael Sacco died December 28, 2023, in St. Louis, surrounded by family members. He was 86 years old and passed away from natural causes.Mike was the longest-serving president in SIU history, having led the organization from 1988 until his retirement in February 2023, a period spanning nearly 35 years.The Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO, represents professional United States merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea…

New legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) will codify the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking mission on the Great Lakes and increase the icebreaking capacity of the Great Lakes fleet.The Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act aims to increase Great lakes icebreaking capacity, which the lawmakers say will help the businesses and workers that rely on the maritime industry to transport their goods to market and grow the regional economy.“In recent years…

Congressman Brian M. Higgins (D-NY) has been honored for his support of Great Lakes shipping by the largest coalition representing the industry. The Congressman was named Great Lakes Legislator of the Year by Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF). Rep. Higgins will formally receive the award at GLMTF’s 14th Annual Briefing for the Great Lakes Delegation in Washington on April 2, 2009. “As a native of Buffalo, Congressman Higgins has long understood that Great Lakes shipping is an asset to be treasured,” said Don Cree, President of GLMTF and President of the Toledo (Ohio) Port Council.

Legislation authorizing construction of a new icebreaker for the Great Lakes is being applauded by the Great Lakes shipping community as key to the industry’s future. H.R. 1747, the Great Lakes Icebreaker Replacement Act of 2009, was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26 by Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-MN). “The Great Lakes are in desperate need of another modern icebreaker,” said Don Cree, President of Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) and President of the Toledo (Ohio) Port Council. “Most of the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking assets are nearing the end of their productive lives. As a result, freighters have been experiencing significant delays and even suffering extensive damage.

The Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity has named Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton its 2007 Government Man of the Year. During Connaughton’s tenure, the Maritime Administration has pursued crewing initiatives to assure more U.S. mariners may serve aboard international ships, especially those in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry; it has also pushed the Marine Highway Initiative, an effort to better use the nation’s waterways and coastal waters to relieve landside congestion in the transportation system; and realigned its operations to better serve the industry and address current challenges.

The Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity has jointly honored Philip Calian, CEO of American Classic Voyages Co. (AMCV), and Jerry St. Pé, COO of Litton Ship Systems, with the Council's Man of the Year Management Award for 1999. Calian and St. Pé were recognized for their roles in returning the construction of major, ocean-going passenger ships back to the U.S. Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss., is building two 1,900-passenger state-of-the-art cruise ships for AMCV in the Project America program, with an option for a third vessel. The new cruise ships will sail under AMCV's new brand United States Lines, one of the most storied names in the history of ocean-going passenger transportation. The program has a total potential value of $1.4 billion.