Posted:
January 16, 2014
The journey toward development of a comprehensive national maritime strategy began this month in Washington, D.C. with the National Maritime Strategy Symposium, hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration.
The three-day symposium kicked off Jan. 14 with stakeholders from every facet of the maritime industry gathering to discuss proposals for enhancing the role of the U.S.-flag fleet in both U.S. domestic and international trades.
"More than 75 percent of all U.S trade is transported by water, making maritime trade a critical part of our country's economy," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We must strengthen America's ability to move products on the oceans, lakes, rivers and waterways, and chart a sustainable future course for the U.S. maritime industry."
More than 250 industry leaders representing carriers, shippers, labor, maritime training institutions and government entities were in attendance, MARAD reported.
Attending the symposium and participating in working groups addressing specific issues - topics including national security, infrastructure improvements, government regulations and maritime labor - were American Maritime Officers National Vice President for Government Relations Mike Murphy, AMO Director of Political Affairs John DeCrosta, AMO Legislative Director Paul Doell, American Maritime Officers Service Legislative Consultant Brenda Otterson, and AMO National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations, Christian Spain.
"AMO shares the belief with many in our industry and in Congress that development of a national maritime strategy is vital to the present and future success of the U.S. merchant marine," Murphy said. "The AMO leadership has some excellent ideas and practical proposals for making this objective a reality.
"For the national maritime strategy to be effective, it will need to incorporate several key components - AMO and AMOS are contributing to make sure our positions are considered and our concerns addressed," Murphy said. "With the myriad of issues confronting the U.S. maritime industry right now, we are working to ensure any comprehensive strategy will be to the benefit of the maritime trades, and to the benefit of our nation, which depends upon the U.S.-flag fleet for military sealift operations, commerce and other crucial transportation services."
Information gathered during the symposium will help the Maritime Administration develop a national maritime strategy, consistent and in tandem with the Department of Transportation's national freight strategic plan, MARAD reported. It will also help lay the groundwork for capitalizing on emerging opportunities and enabling the nation to strengthen its leadership role in the international maritime community.
"This is the first step in a year-long effort to develop a structured, systematic and inter-connected strategy that will strengthen and expand our nation's maritime transportation system," said Acting Maritime Administrator Paul 'Chip' Jaenichen. "We have come together to lay the foundation for a truly robust national maritime strategy - one that encompasses all aspects of our industry."
AMO, AMOS participate in symposium to shape national maritime strategy
The journey toward development of a comprehensive national maritime strategy began this month in Washington, D.C. with the National Maritime Strategy Symposium, hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration.
The three-day symposium kicked off Jan. 14 with stakeholders from every facet of the maritime industry gathering to discuss proposals for enhancing the role of the U.S.-flag fleet in both U.S. domestic and international trades.
"More than 75 percent of all U.S trade is transported by water, making maritime trade a critical part of our country's economy," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We must strengthen America's ability to move products on the oceans, lakes, rivers and waterways, and chart a sustainable future course for the U.S. maritime industry."
More than 250 industry leaders representing carriers, shippers, labor, maritime training institutions and government entities were in attendance, MARAD reported.
Attending the symposium and participating in working groups addressing specific issues - topics including national security, infrastructure improvements, government regulations and maritime labor - were American Maritime Officers National Vice President for Government Relations Mike Murphy, AMO Director of Political Affairs John DeCrosta, AMO Legislative Director Paul Doell, American Maritime Officers Service Legislative Consultant Brenda Otterson, and AMO National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations, Christian Spain.
"AMO shares the belief with many in our industry and in Congress that development of a national maritime strategy is vital to the present and future success of the U.S. merchant marine," Murphy said. "The AMO leadership has some excellent ideas and practical proposals for making this objective a reality.
"For the national maritime strategy to be effective, it will need to incorporate several key components - AMO and AMOS are contributing to make sure our positions are considered and our concerns addressed," Murphy said. "With the myriad of issues confronting the U.S. maritime industry right now, we are working to ensure any comprehensive strategy will be to the benefit of the maritime trades, and to the benefit of our nation, which depends upon the U.S.-flag fleet for military sealift operations, commerce and other crucial transportation services."
Information gathered during the symposium will help the Maritime Administration develop a national maritime strategy, consistent and in tandem with the Department of Transportation's national freight strategic plan, MARAD reported. It will also help lay the groundwork for capitalizing on emerging opportunities and enabling the nation to strengthen its leadership role in the international maritime community.
"This is the first step in a year-long effort to develop a structured, systematic and inter-connected strategy that will strengthen and expand our nation's maritime transportation system," said Acting Maritime Administrator Paul 'Chip' Jaenichen. "We have come together to lay the foundation for a truly robust national maritime strategy - one that encompasses all aspects of our industry."