Office Of Ports News

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration today announced the availability of $9.5 million in grant funding for the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP).“Marine highways are an efficient and cost-effective option for moving freight and passengers in America,” said Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The AMHP supports the increased use of the nation’s navigable waterways to relieve landside congestion, provides new and efficient transportation options, and increases the productivity of the surface transportation system.

After evaluating performance in 2017, the German shipping line serving sectors such as pharmaceuticals, the automotive industry and the technology sector in Mexico expects maritime shipping volumes to experience double-digit growth in 2018 and foresees a continuous increase in cargo volumes. On holding its annual meeting with Latin American leaders in Mexico, the shipping line Hapag-Lloyd pointed to significant growth in infrastructure and operational capacities in the country on reporting its year-end closing for 2017. This positive development is thanks to the favorable outlook in maritime transport in Mexico and worldwide. During the current year…

The first saltie of the 2016 season, the Albanyborg, is underway and expected to sail into the Port of Duluth-Superior this weekend. ETA is approx. 5 p.m. Sunday, April 3. The ship will pass through the Duluth Ship Canal and beneath the Aerial Bridge before making its way to the Clure Public Marine Terminal to dock overnight. The 472-foot Albanyborg, which flies the flag of The Netherlands, will be the first oceangoing vessel to arrive in the Twin Ports this year after transiting the full length of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway system. It also was the first foreign-flag vessel to enter the Seaway after it opened on March 23. The multipurpose carrier…

Raymond Barberesi, most recently Director of the Office of Ports and Domestic Shipping at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd), retired effective June 26, 2004 after 28 years of Federal service. As a member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service, Barberesi lead major MarAd and Departmental programs including the Marine Transportation System (MTS) initiative, having served as Executive Director of the MTS National Advisory Council for the past three years (www.mtsnac.org). Recognized as the leader of the MTS program at MarAd, Barberesi was instrumental in influencing the comprehensive maritime industry program proposals being advanced at the Department of Transportation under the now familiar title of SEA-21.

Ray Barberesi, Director, Office of Ports and Domestic Shipping, U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) will make a presentation regarding Seaport Security Grant awards and the impending announcement of a second round of grants. The presentation will be made at the U.S. Customs House, One Bowling Green, in New York City at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2002.

Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert highlighted the capabilities of the U.S.-Flag fleet in an effort to respond to allegations that U.S.-flag vessels are not available to ease present cargo congestion in West Coast ports. "Qualified Jones Act vessels are standing by with available tonnage on the West Coast to assist any shipper or carrier in moving cargo forward as necessary," Schubert stated. Schubert added, "The Maritime Administration is carefully evaluating all potential alternatives that would alleviate congestion in the ports, and expedite the delivery of cargo to its final destination. According to the U.S. CSX-LINES - will divert a ship if necessary to pick up cargo in LA to ease port congestion for Oakland or provide other lifts to ease congestion.