The Maritime Administration (MARAD) will conduct three public listening sessions to gather data and comments to inform the US-Flag Great Lakes Fleet Revitalization Study. The Study will examine the current and potential future role of Great Lakes shipping in supporting the region’s economy and as an important component of the greater US Marine Highway System. It will also be used to assess the impact of new environmental regulations on the Great Lakes fleet. Of particular interest is the likely impact of the EPA’s final emission standards for new marine diesel “Category 3” engines that come into effect in January 2012. The listening sessions will be held in Cleveland (February 15); Duluth (February 23); and Chicago (February 25). 75 Fed. Reg. 82141 (December 29, 2010).
(Source: Bryant Maritime News)