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Ben Billings News

27 Oct 2015

Aaron Smith Takes the Helm at OMSA

Aaron Smith (Photo: OMSA)

Aaron Smith has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Offshore Marine Services Association, Inc. (OMSA), the national trade association representing the U.S.-flag offshore workboat industry. Smith’s appointment follows the resignation of Ben Billings, who has led OMSA since 2013. Smith has held various positions in government and public affairs. He has been instrumental in the development of OSVDPA, a dynamic positioning certification authority for the OSV industry. Prior to that, he served in Washington, D.C.

21 Apr 2015

Oil Majors Push Offshore Players for 30% Cuts

Tidewater, Inc.’s Dean Edward Taylor plows full steam ahead.

30%That’s the minimum level of capital expenditure cuts facing owners and operators of offshore rigs, vessels and various support services, as they scramble to keep equipment working and their heads above water during one of the worst oil downturns in 30 years. From a high of $108 per barrel in June of last year, prices plummeted roughly 60% as supply surpassed weakening demand, crashing in November to around $44 a barrel. The pricing collapse caught all sectors of the industry and financial markets by surprise, pulling down with it market valuations, quarterly earnings and day rates.

16 Jan 2015

OMSA Opposes McCain Amendment

Ben Billings (Photo: OMSA)

The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) issued a statement regarding Senator John McCain’s proposal allowing foreign-built vessels to take over marine transportation in the United States, stating the amendment would gut U.S. shipbuilding while outsourcing jobs and security. “Senator McCain has proposed an amendment to eliminate a cornerstone of U.S. maritime policy that dates back to the founding of our nation. The reservation of domestic transportation to U.S.-built vessels ensures the existence and viability of America’s shipbuilding industrial base.

06 Mar 2014

Offshore Insights from OMSA's Ben Billings

Ben Billings

Ben Billings serves as President & CEO of the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA), a nationwide trade association headquartered in New Orleans that represents more than 200 member companies. OMSA’s membership includes approximately 100 firms operating more than 1,200 vessels that provide transportation services to the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico and around the world. It’s arguably a very good time to be at the helm of OMSA, with a resurgent U.S.

02 Dec 2013

Billings Assumes OMSA Leadership

Ben Billings

The Offshore Marine Service Association announced that Ben Billings has officially assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Billings comes to OMSA from Washington, D.C. where he has worked for the past nine years on maritime issues in the U.S. Senate for Senator Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Billings commented on his return to his native New Orleans and the experience he brings to OMSA, saying, “I am very happy to have this opportunity to return home for such an important mission.

15 Oct 2013

OMSA Enters Leadership Transition

Ben Billings

The Offshore Marine Service Association announced that it will begin a transition of leadership. Several months ago, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Adams informed the OMSA Board of Directors that he would be stepping down by the end of the year to manage a startup business that he and his partners have developed in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. “Jim has done an outstanding job and he will be genuinely missed. He has expertly guided OMSA through some difficult waters.