Transportation Policy News

Longtime mariner and investigator Morgan Turrell has been named director of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) Office of Marine Safety effective March 1.The office investigates major marine accidents within the United States and its territories, as well as accidents involving U.S.-flagged vessels worldwide.Turrell began his career at the NTSB in 2003 as a nautical operations investigator. From 2007 to 2010 he served as Vice President of Marine Investigations for Princess Cruises, where he investigated casualties aboard ships worldwide.

The start of a new year often brings change, but in the nation’s capital, 2017 means a new President and Administration, and a new Congress. Waterways Council, Inc.’s objective remains the same as it has since our start in 2005: to advocate for a modern, efficient and reliable inland waterways transportation system. For WCI, achieving this means working from our “three-legged advocacy stool” approach to educating these new Washingtonians through direct lobbying, stakeholder support and outreach, and media relations.

The Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved the appointments of new directors for the Port of Long Beach’s Finance, Surveys and Transportation Planning divisions. Maurina Lee, previously the Harbor Department’s controller, will become the Director of Finance. She has been controller since March of last year and was previously finance manager for the city of Downey from 2006 to 2015. The Finance Division oversees an annual budget that is $829 million this fiscal year. It is part of the Finance and Administration Bureau. Robert Seidel, who has been the Port of Long Beach’s chief surveyor since 2006, will be the new Director of Surveys.

The Washington D.C., office of global law firm K&L Gates LLP has welcomed Stephen Martinko as a government affairs counselor in the public policy and law practice. Martinko joins the firm from the Port of Pittsburgh Commission (PPC), where he served as executive director of one of the largest inland ports in the United States. Previously, Martinko spent 12 years as a congressional aide, including serving as deputy staff director for the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I Committee) of the U.S. House of Representatives, which has broad jurisdiction over all modes of transportation – aviation, maritime, highways, bridges…

The huge potential of the oceans and the maritime industry to assist in the development of the African continent has already been noted, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Koji Shemizu, has said. African should emulate Japan in exploiting their vast maritime resources to bolster their economic progress, he said. Strong industrial policy, firmly and formally adopted by the Government, is a crucial element for any industry in any nation and even more so for the maritime industry. Maritime development, under a formal national maritime transportation policy, will lead Africa towards prosperity. Sekimizu was speaking in Nairobi last in Kenya's first National Maritime Conference.

Current COO Patrick J. Gallwey to Retire in March After 34 Years. Brandy D. Christian has been named the new Chief Operating Officer of the Port of New Orleans by President and CEO Gary LaGrange, succeeding Patrick J. Gallwey, who will retire March 1 after 34 years with the Port. Christian comes to the Port after 14 years with the Port of San Diego serving for the past five years as vice president, strategy and business development. During her tenure with California’s fourth largest cargo port, Christian was the driving force behind securing major accounts for the cruise and cargo business lines at the Port. She was also instrumental in significantly improving operational processes and reducing costs for the public agency.

“Congressman Jim ‪‎Oberstar was a friend and mentor. He was also a brilliant and kind man. No one knew more about transportation policy than him. Just last Wednesday, I talked with him about strategies to pass a good transportation bill. I will miss him. President Obama said of Oberstar's passing, "Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Congressman Jim Oberstar. Jim cared deeply about the people of Minnesota, devoting his 36 years of service to improving America's infrastructure, creating opportunity for hardworking Minnesotans and building a strong economy for future generations of Americans.

Peter Soles has joined The Glosten Associates as a Marine Consultant and will be supporting the firm’s ocean engineering and marine logistics projects. “Peter brings a broad knowledge of marine transportation policy, oceangoing vessel management and operation, voyage and cargo logistics, navigation, and tug/towing operations,” said Justin Morgan, PE, Glosten Principal. Prior to joining Glosten, Soles contributed to marine projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska for over 13 years as a tug operator and marine operations manager for two local marine transportation companies.

Peter Soles has joined The Glosten Associates as a Marine Consultant and will be supporting the firm’s ocean engineering and marine logistics projects. “Peter brings a broad knowledge of marine transportation policy, oceangoing vessel management and operation, voyage and cargo logistics, navigation, and tug/towing operations,” said Justin Morgan, PE, Glosten Principal. The company adds that prior to joining Glosten, Soles contributed to marine projects throughout the Pacific Northwest…

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster  (R-PA) have been jointly selected to receive the American Association of Port Authorities’ (AAPA) 2014 “Port Person of the Year” award. The bi-partisan nomination for AAPA’s most prestigious annual award was submitted by the California Association of Port Authorities (CAPA). Marking its 102nd year as the Western Hemisphere’s leading trade association representing port authorities, AAPA selected Sen. Boxer and Cong. Shuster based on their dedication to improving America’s water resources, infrastructure and freight transportation policy. Their work toward reforming federal water resources development legislation…

The Panel on 21st Century Freight Transportation published its final report on United States freight transportation, offering an assessment of its current condition with recommendations for strengthening nationwide infrastructure and U.S. economy. The panel, led by its Chairman, U.S. Rep John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-TN) and Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), was founded by Full Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Ranking Member Nick J. Rahall, II (D-W.Va.) in April 2013 to examine U.S. freight transportation, the role it plays on the nation’s economy and ways in which it may be improved, including financially, structurally and technologically. Direct the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army and the Commandant of the U.S.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation John Porcari will deliver the keynote presentation at the 2013 WTS Policy Symposium next month. The symposium, which will take place on Sept. 17, 2013, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, will bring together high-profile transportation leaders across all modes, from both the public and private sectors, to discuss topics such as technology, public-private partnerships, and the future of high-speed rail, as well as present an opportunity for attendees to network and advance the industry through new knowledge and possible new strategic alliances.

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), in coordination with the Georgia Ports Authority, will host the seminar Communicating the Importance of Infrastructure Investment, June 21-23, at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, Ga. Targeting public and government relations professionals throughout the freight transportation industry, the conference will focus on effectively communicating with policymakers, and those who influence policy, on the benefits of freight infrastructure improvements. “We appreciate the work the AAPA does on behalf of our seaports and look forward to this informative communications seminar that will help those who advocate for freight,” said GPA’s Executive Director Curtis J. Foltz.

Chairman Mica's vision for reauthorizing the nation's surface transportation legislation goes beyond the traditional "highway bill" approach and is expected to address road, rail, transit and maritime for a comprehensive solution to many of the transportation problems the nation faces. The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has urged the committee to include a maritime title in the transportation bill to address the harbor maintenance tax problem and navigation project development inefficiencies.

Fairfax, Virginia--The International Propeller Club of the Unites States has announced that R. Andrew Riester has been named Executive Vice President. After a period of transition alongside interim Executive Vice President John W. Angus, III, he will provide full-time staff leadership in the organization’s headquarters office in Fairfax, Virginia. “The executive committee of the International Propeller Club is very happy to welcome Andrew Riester aboard. His experience in the maritime industry and his association management background will be an asset to the important work of the Club…

President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate David T. Matsuda, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. David T. Matsuda has been serving as Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration since July 2009. He is a transportation professional with more than a decade of experience in federal transportation policy, programs and oversight. Prior to his current position, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), where he served as a chief policy advisor and focused on issues including surface transportation reauthorization…

U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will be honored as the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) "Port Person of the Year" at the port association's annual Washington People's Luncheon on April 1 in Washington, D.C.'s historic Willard Inter-Continental Hotel. AAPA - a trade organization representing the leading public ports in the Western Hemisphere - selected Sen. Byrd to receive its most prestigious annual award based on his strong advocacy in Congress for increasing cargo and facility security at America's seaports. In addition to receiving the "Port Person" award, Sen. Byrd will serve as the luncheon's keynote speaker. During his remarks…

conducted an oversight hearing regarding transportation security. task. Mr. Jeffrey Shane, Under Secretary of Transportation Policy, discussed the role of the Department of Transportation regarding security and its coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. Admiral Thomas Collins, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, discussed the agency's strategy to reduce maritime security risks through: (1) increasing maritime domain awareness, (2) implementing preventative measures, (3) securing borders and protecting infrastructure, and (4) preparing to respond quickly if necessary.

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Harold J. Creel, Jr., announced today that Commissioner John A. Moran has submitted his resignation from the Federal Maritime Commission, effective April 15, 2002. Commissioner Moran was nominated to serve as a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission on October 15, 1998, and confirmed by the United States Senate on October 21, 1998. He was sworn in on October 27, 1998. Chairman Creel noted that Commissioner Moran came to the Commission just thirteen days after the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 ("OSRA") was signed into law and that Commissioner Moran's experience in congressional and legislative affairs…

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…

MarineNews is pleased again this year to showcase the thoughts and opinions of workboat industry luminaries and executives, including: Terry Becker, President, Riverway Co.; Larry Daily, President, Alter Barge Line, Inc.; Cherrie Felder, Vice President, Channel Shipyard Companies; William D. Friedman, Executive Director, Ports of Indiana; Berdon Lawrence, Chairman, Kirby and Peter H. Stephaich, Chairman of Campbell Transportation Company, Inc., and C&C Marine Maintenance, Inc. President Riverway Co. For those who may not be familiar with Riverway Co., we are a "medium" sized barge line that operates approximately 500 barges and eight line haul towboats, moving dry bulk commodities primarily on the Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation conducted an oversight hearing regarding transportation security. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Committee Chair, noted that maritime security remains a daunting task. Mr. Jeffrey Shane, Under Secretary of Transportation Policy, discussed the role of the Department of Transportation regarding security and its coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. Admiral Thomas Collins, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, discussed the agency's strategy to reduce maritime security risks through: (1) increasing maritime domain awareness, (2) implementing preventative measures, (3) securing borders and protecting infrastructure, and (4) preparing to respond quickly if necessary.

For the third year running MarineNews was able to tap the minds of six prominent industry leaders in an attempt to deliver exclusive insights as to the direction of the workboat and shallow draft market for the coming years. • Al Anderson, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, CHS Inc. • Rick Calhoun, President and Chairman, Cargill Marine and Terminal, Inc. • Steve Golding, President, Golding Barge Line, Inc. • Paul E. Mauer, President, Trinity Marine Products, Inc. MN: What is the most important message about the inland waterways industry that needs to be conveyed to the media and policymakers? Anderson: The most important…