Parrott Named New TOTE President
Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. (TOTE) announced the promotion of John D. Parrott to company president. Parrott replaces TOTE’s former president, Bill Deaver, who had been with the company since March 2002. John initially worked for TOTE beginning in1992 as First Officer of the S.S. Northern Lights. He was present throughout the shipyard conversion of that vessel, including the addition of a ninety-foot mid-body section, until it was brought into service in 1993. He then served as the General Manager for Sea Star Stevedoring…
6th Annual Marine Highways Conference
The 6th Annual North America's Marine Highways Conference, produced by the Journal of Commerce Conferences, will take place April 1 and 2 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville, Florida. The theme "Are We There Yet?" refers to the status of North American marine highways as a seemingly endless construction zone. Last December, Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, told The Journal of Commerce that he wanted to steer $30m of President-elect Obama's economic recovery package to short sea loan guarantees for vessels and shore facilities. The money is part of an overall $85b investment in transportation infrastructure now being considered by Congress.
MARAD: U.S. Vessels Can Clear West Coast Backlog
Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert highlighted the capabilities of the U.S.-Flag fleet in an effort to respond to allegations that U.S.-flag vessels are not available to ease present cargo congestion in West Coast ports. "Qualified Jones Act vessels are standing by with available tonnage on the West Coast to assist any shipper or carrier in moving cargo forward as necessary," Schubert stated. Schubert added, "The Maritime Administration is carefully evaluating all potential alternatives that would alleviate congestion in the ports, and expedite the delivery of cargo to its final destination. According to the U.S. CSX-LINES - will divert a ship if necessary to pick up cargo in LA to ease port congestion for Oakland or provide other lifts to ease congestion.
