Posted:
July 25, 2008
Three influential congressmen called for improvement of the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking program at a hearing July 16.
Members of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation met at the Rayburn House Office Building to receive testimony from panelists and shape a decision on how to meet forecasted icebreaking mission needs.
“In the Great Lakes, as much as 200 million tons of cargo is moved on the marine highway. Approximately 63 U.S.-flagged vessels transport over 115 million tons of cargo each year to include iron ore, limestone and coal," said Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “The Coast Guard provides ice breaking services to the Great Lakes. Last year, due to the lack of Coast Guard resources and capability to break ice in the region, three vessels in the Great Lakes sustained $1.3 million in damages. This is an issue that needs to be discussed and explored so events like this do not happen in the future."
Great Lakes icebreaking is currently conducted by the Mackinaw, a 240-foot dual purpose buoy tender, two 225-foot buoy tenders, and five 140-foot icebreaking tug boats.
“Coast Guard icebreakers allow the winter movement of maritime commerce through the Great Lakes and into ports in the Northeast,” said Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-OH), ranking Republican on the subcommittee, in his opening statement. “I am concerned however, that the current icebreaking fleet is unable to carry out the full mission load in heavy ice years, like we experienced this year in the Great Lakes. Several members, including Chairman Oberstar, have requested the Coast Guard to consider transferring an additional icebreaking tug to the lakes; however, that request has been refused. I would urge the service to conduct a review of icebreaking needs to determine how the Coast Guard can best carry out icebreaking missions nationwide.”
“The Coast Guard’s icebreaking responsibilities can be divided into two categories: polar icebreaking and icebreaking along domestic waterways, particularly on the Great Lakes, and along the East Coast,” said Rep. Elijah Cummings, chairman of the subcommittee, in his written remarks. “Today’s hearing will examine anticipated needs and current capabilities in both areas."
The panel of witnesses included James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, who spoke about icebreaking needs on the Great Lakes; Dr. Arden Bement Jr., director of the National Science Foundation (NSF); and Mead Treadwell, chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission.
Congress takes a look at U.S. icebreaking needs
Three influential congressmen called for improvement of the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking program at a hearing July 16.
Members of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation met at the Rayburn House Office Building to receive testimony from panelists and shape a decision on how to meet forecasted icebreaking mission needs.
“In the Great Lakes, as much as 200 million tons of cargo is moved on the marine highway. Approximately 63 U.S.-flagged vessels transport over 115 million tons of cargo each year to include iron ore, limestone and coal," said Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “The Coast Guard provides ice breaking services to the Great Lakes. Last year, due to the lack of Coast Guard resources and capability to break ice in the region, three vessels in the Great Lakes sustained $1.3 million in damages. This is an issue that needs to be discussed and explored so events like this do not happen in the future."
Great Lakes icebreaking is currently conducted by the Mackinaw, a 240-foot dual purpose buoy tender, two 225-foot buoy tenders, and five 140-foot icebreaking tug boats.
“Coast Guard icebreakers allow the winter movement of maritime commerce through the Great Lakes and into ports in the Northeast,” said Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-OH), ranking Republican on the subcommittee, in his opening statement. “I am concerned however, that the current icebreaking fleet is unable to carry out the full mission load in heavy ice years, like we experienced this year in the Great Lakes. Several members, including Chairman Oberstar, have requested the Coast Guard to consider transferring an additional icebreaking tug to the lakes; however, that request has been refused. I would urge the service to conduct a review of icebreaking needs to determine how the Coast Guard can best carry out icebreaking missions nationwide.”
“The Coast Guard’s icebreaking responsibilities can be divided into two categories: polar icebreaking and icebreaking along domestic waterways, particularly on the Great Lakes, and along the East Coast,” said Rep. Elijah Cummings, chairman of the subcommittee, in his written remarks. “Today’s hearing will examine anticipated needs and current capabilities in both areas."
The panel of witnesses included James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association, who spoke about icebreaking needs on the Great Lakes; Dr. Arden Bement Jr., director of the National Science Foundation (NSF); and Mead Treadwell, chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission.