Brian Vahey News

The crew of Moran Towing's tug Lynne Moran has been honored for its courageous response and rescue of two stranded boaters near the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on the evening of October 25, 2023.The crew has received the U.S. Coast Guard Public Service Commendation, presented by Captain O’Connell, as well as the American Waterways Operators (AWO) Honor and Excellence in Rescue Operations (HERO) Award, presented by Brian Vahey, AWO’s Vice President, Atlantic Region.In collaboration with the U.S.

The greening of America’s energy signature will not come without the usual discussions, regulatory oversight – and opposition from a raft of special interests.Amidst an atmosphere of possible resurgence in the domestic offshore oil energy, maritime stakeholders are also reminded that there is more than one kind of energy available for development off the four collective coasts of the United States. That process is underway in the Great Lakes; it has already happened off of New England.

When marine safety collides with environmental advocacy and non-maritime business interests, the discussion can be contentious, confusing and cumbersome. In June 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) opened a public comment period regarding new anchorage zones in the Hudson River; usually a rather low-key set of issues. This proved different. Opponents jumped on the proposal – initially suggested by three maritime organizations – as a backdoor way to facilitate a huge expansion in crude oil shipments on the Hudson.

Brian Vahey, Caitlyn Stewart Promoted to Government Affairs Manager. AWO has announced the recent promotions of Brian Vahey and Caitlyn Stewart to the new position of Government Affairs Manager. These promotions recognize the significant contributions of Mr. Vahey and Ms. Stewart to AWO’s work and their potential for further growth as members of AWO’s advocacy team. Mr. Vahey joined AWO as a Government Affairs Associate in July of 2008. His portfolio includes maritime security and TWIC, the Towing Vessel Bridging Program, licensing, and technology, among other issues. He serves as staff secretary to the Coastal Sector Committee and the AWO Technology Steering Group…