Marine Link
Thursday, March 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

William G Schubert News

03 Sep 2003

News: More Ghost Fleet Ships Contracted for Scrap

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) recently awarded a contract for the disposal of obsolete ships in the James River Reserve Fleet. Post-Service Remediation Partners (PRP) of New York will be awarded a payment of $14.8 million to remove a total of 15 ships from the James River Reserve Fleet. This is the largest removal of obsolete ships in a single year from the National Defense Reserve Fleet since 1993. "As stewards of the environment, the responsible disposal of obsolete ships is a high priority for the Department of Transportation," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. The PRP award was the result of a negotiated Program Research and Development Announcement (PRDA) proposal that offered the removal of fifteen ships.

18 Sep 2003

Maryland’s Eastern Shore Site of SOCP Meeting

The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) invites maritime industry representatives to attend the SOCP's October 7-8, 2003, meeting on the Eastern Shore at Piney Point, MD. SOCP’s packed agenda features guest speakers Captain William G. Schubert, Maritime Administrator, RADM Thomas Gilmour, USCG Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, Ms. Marjorie Murtagh, National Transportation Safety Board and Mr. Anil Mathur, Alaska Tanker Company CEO. Presentations include: Short Sea Shipping; Smart Tow; Intermodal Freight Opportunities on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System-SE Michigan, along with technical presentations on GPS Based Cargo Tracking Systems; and Cargo Container Advanced 3-D Scanning which will round out the first day’s agenda.

30 Sep 2003

Column: MarAd's CCF: Orphan Child Or Financing Solution?

By H. Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. When the Congress returns to Washington in September, the attention of the Members and of industry representatives will be focused on renewing authorizations for two important maritime programs, the MARAD Title XI Program, and the MARAD/DOD Military Security Program. However, there is a third MARAD program that is at least equally deserving of this September's attention, it is MarAd's Capital Construction Fund ("CCF") Program. 1. CCF Tax Deferral Program: History, Scope & Terms. The CCF Program traces its history to the Revenue Act of 1920. Title VI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 ("1936 Act") authorized the creation of "regular" and "special" reserve funds into which U.S. citizen liner operators, that were engaged in providing U.S.

07 Nov 2003

Freedom Joins the U.S. Flag Fleet

Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert welcomed a new ship to the U.S-flag commercial fleet at a shipboard ceremony in Baltimore, Md. American Roll-On Roll-Off Carriers (ARC) today introduced its reflagged ship, FREEDOM, which will bring important additional sealift capacity to the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Program (MSP). Freedom will replace the Tanabata in the MSP fleet and the TANABATA will remain in the U.S.-flag fleet as a non-MSP participating ship under a new name, RESOLVE. RESOLVE will continue to operate in the company’s service between the U.S. and Northern Europe. FREEDOM will also operate in the service between the U.S. and Northern Europe. Schubert praised ARC for adding capacity to the U.S.-flag commercial fleet.

12 Jan 2004

Portland Gets Boost from Oil Rig Project

Portland’s marine commercial shipbuilding industry is getting a boost thanks in part to construction of the “Pride Portland” and the “Pride Rio de Janeiro,” two huge oil rigs built by crews working for Cianbro and funded with a $342 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert recently visited the “Amethyst Project” at the terminal where the two 12,000 ton oil rigs that symbolize the city’s revitalization efforts were constructed.

12 Jan 2004

Portland Waterfront Gets Boost from Oil Rig Construction Project

Portland’s marine commercial shipbuilding industry is getting a boost thanks in part to construction of the “Pride Portland” and the “Pride Rio de Janeiro,” two huge oil rigs built by crews working for Cianbro and funded with a $342 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert today visited the “Amethyst Project” at the terminal where the two 12,000 ton oil rigs that symbolize the city’s revitalization efforts were constructed. Captain Schubert called the working waterfront an asset that will provide jobs and keep America moving. “This project alone has employed close to 1…

16 Jan 2004

MARAD Approves Deepwater LNG Port

It soon will be easier to import natural gas from fuel tankers, without disruption to shoreline communities and the environment, thanks in part to a new deepwater liquid natural gas (LNG) port approved today by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The LNG port, to be built by El Paso Energy Bridge Gulf of Mexico LLC about 116 miles south of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico, is a terminal to process and transfer natural gas received from LNG transport ships to a pipeline system, which will carry the natural gas ashore for distribution to U.S. markets. "This new facility will improve efficiency by eliminating the need for a carrier to come all the way into a shore side port and save money in the process," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta.

21 Jan 2004

MarAd Approves Deepwater LNG Port Off Louisiana

It soon will be easier to import natural gas from fuel tankers, without disruption to shoreline communities and the environment, thanks in part to a new deepwater liquid natural gas (LNG) port approved today by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The LNG port, to be built by El Paso Energy Bridge Gulf of Mexico LLC about 116 miles south of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico, is a terminal to process and transfer natural gas received from LNG transport ships to a pipeline system, which will carry the natural gas ashore for distribution to U.S. markets. “This new facility will improve efficiency by eliminating the need for a carrier to come all the way into a shore side port and save money in the process,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta.

21 May 2004

U.S. Transportation Secretary Honors U.S. Merchant Marine on National Maritime Day

As part of the celebration of National Maritime Day, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta today honored the men and women of the U.S. merchant marine who risk their lives on wartime seas. This year’s ceremony at Navy Memorial Auditorium paid special tribute to the action of mariners during World War II. Following the presentation of the colors and a moment of silence, Secretary Mineta spoke of WWII merchant mariners who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. "They traveled unarmed, often into dangerous waters, to support our Armed Forces overseas. Merchant mariners crewed the Liberty ships, the Victory ships, and thousands of other ships that carried troops and many tons of materiel for the Allied cause in World War II. Nearly 215,000 people served in the U.S.

28 Jun 2004

MarAd Disposes of More Ships

Three ships will leave the James River Reserve Fleet this summer, thanks to domestic ship dismantling contracts announced today by U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert. Marine Metals of Brownsville, TX, has been awarded three contracts valued at $3.1 million to dismantle the American Banker, the Mormacmoon, and the Santa Cruz. All three ships are considered high-priority vessels for dismantling and recycling. "This Administration is working very hard to get these ships out of the James River and on their way to qualified ship breaking yards," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. "We are all very anxious to reduce the number of ships in the fleet," he added.

13 Jul 2004

More Passengers take to the Sea

Fueled in part by a spate of luxurious newbuildings such as the Queen Mary 2, the cruise industry, according to government statistics, is growing by leaps and bounds. Reflecting a rise in the popularity of passengers departing from ports closer to their homes, cruise lines carried 2.3 million passengers on North American cruises in the first quarter of 2004, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) reported today. The figures reflect a 13.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2003. The majority of cruises are still destined for the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

13 Jul 2004

Cruise Passenger Travel Grows 13.6%

Reflecting a rise in the popularity of passengers departing from ports closer to their homes, cruise lines carried 2.3 million passengers on North American cruises in the first quarter of 2004, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) reported today. The figures reflect a 13.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2003. The majority of cruises are still destined for the Caribbean and the Bahamas. However, there has been important growth in new and emerging "drive market" ports -- departure ports closer to home. For example, last year, during the first quarter, four ports -- New York, Jacksonville, Houston, and Norfolk – offered no departures. Now, these cities are currently among the top 15 departure ports in the nation.

19 Jul 2004

DOT: New Initiative for Loan and Credit Programs

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the establishment of a department-wide Credit Council to enhance oversight and management of the Department’s direct loan and loan guarantee programs that are administered by the Maritime Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Highway Administration and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Currently, the Department’s four credit programs are responsible for $7.5 billion in outstanding loans and guarantees (including pending commitments). "As we continue to build a transportation infrastructure and transportation assets that keep our economy moving…

21 Jul 2004

RRF Ship and Crew Receive Award

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a press release stating that the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ship SS FLICKERTAIL STATE and its crew were presented with the Professional Ship Award by Captain William G. Schubert, Maritime Administrator, for their part in Operation Haiti, working under fire delivering supplies and equipment to the U.S. Marine Corps. Source: HK Law

10 Aug 2004

Three More Ships Head for Shipbreakers

The Maritime Administration's Captain William G. Schubert announced disposal contracts for three more ships in the James River Reserve Fleet. With the announcement, 37 ship disposal contracts have been awarded since the beginning of 2001, and 24 ships have left the James River Reserve Fleet. "Today marks another day of real progress as we work to address the inherited challenges of the James River Reserve fleet," said Captain William Schubert. The three ships, the Santa Isabel, the Mormacwave, and the American Ranger, are all designated "high priority" for disposal by the Maritime Administration (MARAD). Esco Marine, of Brownsville, TX, was awarded the contract to dismantle all three ships. Joining Captain Schubert for the announcement, which was made at the fleet site at Ft.

03 Dec 2001

Schubert Named as Maritime Administrator

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta welcomed Captain William G. Schubert to the U.S. Department of Transportation as the Senate unanimously A former maritime industry consultant and Maritime Administration official, Captain Schubert brings 27 years of professional maritime experience to his new post. “During these extraordinary times it is important to have someone like Bill Schubert on our team at the Department of Transportation,” said Secretary Mineta. Captain Schubert underscored the important role the Maritime Administration and the U.S.-flag merchant marine will play in the nation’s war against terrorism. “Now more than ever…

06 Dec 2001

Schubert To Be Sworn In As Maritime Administrator

William Grant Schubert, confirmed by the Senate last week as U.S. Maritime Administrator, will be sworn into office today on board the S.S. CAPE KENNEDY, berthed at the Erato Street wharf in New Orleans, LA. Administration officers at Schubert’s level are customarily sworn into office in Washington. Schubert said, “I can think of no more appropriate place to be sworn in than on board a working ship in a busy American port.” Schubert is in New Orleans as part of the D-Day Museum’s celebrations marking the anniversary of the American entry into World War II. This year’s celebrations highlight the contribution of the Merchant Marine. The Maritime Administration’s responsibilities include strengthening and improving the U.S. Merchant Marine.

23 Jan 2002

Secretary Of Transportation Will Address Workshop

The Maritime Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, is sponsoring a two-day Workshop on Maritime Energy and Clean Emissions on Jan. 29-30 in Washington, DC. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta will deliver the keynote address on Jan. 29. The first day of the workshop will look at how ports and other transportation modes deal with energy and environmental issues and will examine the impact of state, federal and international policies. The second day will focus on various technologies and methods being explored to improve energy efficiency and reduce air pollution. In addition, several international speakers will discuss policies affecting maritime energy and emissions in their countries.

28 Mar 2002

SOCP Agenda Focuses on Maritime Security

The Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) will convene in Philadelphia, Pa., on June 11-12, 2002 at the Naval Surface Warfare Center. The meeting will feature Captain William G. Schubert, Maritime Administrator, U.S. Department of Transportation as the speaker, with invited speakers including: Ronald McAlear, CEO, Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard and Robert K. Kurz, President, Keystone Shipping Co. The meeting will also include panel presentations focusing on maritime security and current maritime legislation, and technical presentations.

18 Mar 2002

Schubert to Lead Delegation to China

Maritime Administrator William G. Schubert announced that he will lead a delegation to China to conduct discussions with the Chinese government in Beijing, March 19-21. A central topic of these talks will be the Regulations on International Maritime Transportation that were issued by China’s Ministry of Communications in December 2001. These regulations appear to impose sweeping new restrictions on U.S. and other non-Chinese maritime companies, affecting shipping companies, shippers, and intermediaries. In addition to discussing the new maritime regulations, Captain Schubert will discuss U.S. maritime carriers’ operations in the People’s Republic of China which have been restricted by Chinese government controls for several years…

19 Mar 2002

OECD Working Group Discuss Port Security

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced its participation in the Ad-Hoc Working Group on Security for the Maritime Transportation Committee (MTC) at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris. Government and industry leaders will be open and encourage an international dialogue on this important matter. “We must participate in these international forums because port security problems require international solutions. It is vital that we work with other countries and international agencies worldwide, as well as with all the modes within the Department of Transportation and other agencies in the U.S.

15 Jan 2002

Schubert Leads Conference

Maritime Administrator William G. Schubert will lead the U.S. delegation to the Ministerial Conference on Transport and the Environment in Tokyo, Jan. 15-16. This gathering of senior officials, many at the Cabinet level, represents 20 of the world’s largest economic powers. The conference will deal with four major topics: Transport and Counter-Terrorism, Urban Transport and the Environment, Development and Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Vehicles, and Prevention of Marine Pollution. In dealing with counter-terrorism, the conference will consider actions and initiatives taken by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO).

18 Jan 2002

DOT Offers Insurance For Commercial Ship Owners

Maritime Administrator William G. Schubert today announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is now accepting applications for war risk insurance to cover commercial ship operations in the Middle East. President Bush authorized the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide the insurance at the request of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. U.S.-flag vessels are eligible, as are ships owned by U.S. companies. Other vessels may be covered if their cargoes are considered to be in the security interests of the United States. The insurance covers cargoes as well as the ships and crews. It is underwritten by DOT in return for a premium from shipowners.