-
04 Mar 2025
WASHINGTON WATCH: A Maritime Reflection on the First 30 Days
The first thirty days of the new Trump Administration have brought sweeping changes throughout the federal government. We take a pause to assess where things stand for maritime stakeholders and what may be coming next in Washington, DC, for our industry.A Maritime DirectiveFor those that work in the U.S maritime space, it is axiomatic to state that all aspects of the maritime industry are critical to our national security. U.S. flag vessels and merchant mariners not only support U.S.
-
26 Dec 2024
WASHINGTON WATCH: Looking Forward and Aft at the Maritime Political Landscape
With the election (largely) settled, we turn our attention to the challenges and opportunities that the new Administration and Congress hold for maritime stakeholders.Maritime Challenges Out (and at) the GatesOn October 3, 2024, the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen's Association, AFL-CIO (ILA) reached a tentative agreement on wages, extending their Master Contract until January 15, 2024.
-
30 Sep 2024
US Election Awash with Maritime Implications
With a critical election fast approaching – in which the Executive Branch, House and Senate are all up for grabs – it is essential to consider the election’s potential impact on the maritime industry before heading to the voting booth.Maritime impact on the electionAt the time of writing, we are two weeks away from the expiration of the current six-year master agreement between the United States Maritime…
-
16 Jul 2024
Maritime Implications of Recent US Supreme Court Rulings
In recent weeks the U.S. Supreme Court has fundamentally changed the ways that laws are interpreted and enforced by federal agencies. These decisions will have far-reaching impacts on heavily-regulated sectors, such as the U.S. maritime industry, potentially altering the balance of power between stakeholders and federal regulators.Civil penalties require 7th Amendment protectionsOn June 27, 2024, in SEC v.
-
06 Jun 2024
Congress Raises the National Security Alarm on Shipbuilding
A bipartisan, bicameral group is emerging in Congress as the thought leaders for future maritime policy. On January 30, 2024, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL-6) led a letter to President Biden, joined by 17 other members of Congress, urging the White House to embrace a “bold and clear vision” for the future of U.S. sea power. Among other recommendations – including establishing…