The U.S. Maritime Administration issued a Report Comparing U.S. and Foreign-Flag Operating Costs. The U.S. maritime labor union(s) responded with pointed criticism. Marad issues its own statement in reponse.
Text of Marad Chief Matsuda's Prepared Statement: “The U.S. Maritime Administration’s top priority is to promote the growth and sustainability of America’s maritime industry. The first-of-its-kind ‘Comparison of U.S. and Foreign Flag Operating Cost’ study was a fact-finding analysis comparing the costs of operating open registry vessels to those under U.S.-flag so that we can better understand the challenges that U.S. carriers face in the competitive global marketplace. This data provides a foundation for future discussions. We have and will continue to consider all perspectives as we work to support the men and women who work on water, strengthen America’s maritime industry, create jobs and grow our economy.”
Read the U.S. Maritime Administration's report cy clicking this link: http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/Comparison_of_US_and_Foreign_Flag_Operating_Costs.pdf
Link to the press release from maritime labor HERE: http://www.seafarers.org/news/2011/Q4/JointStatementRespondingtoFlawedReport.htm