The Maritime Minute
News from The American Maritime Partnership, June 17, 2011
MEMBERS OF HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION EXPRESS STRONG SUPPORT FOR JONES ACT:
Members of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation said the Jones Act is critical to the national, economic, and homeland security needs of our country. The Chairman of the Subcommittee, Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), said in a June 14 hearing, “I hear rumors from time to time about ideas or suggestions that can be advanced, either legislatively or otherwise, that would dramatically change or weaken the Jones Act. I can assure you that as chair of this committee, I’ll do everything in my power not to allow that to happen.” Speaking before the subcommittee, Michael G. Roberts, senior vice president and general counsel of Crowley Maritime Corporation in Jacksonville, Fla., and a member of the board of AMP, said the domestic maritime industry sustains the U.S. and international economy. “Taken as a whole, the American maritime industry is a large and vitally important part of our domestic economy,” said Roberts. “We generate about $100 billion per year in economic activity and provide jobs to almost half a million Americans.” Click here to read more.
JOBS AWAIT MARITIME ACADEMIES’ CLASS OF 2011:
Nearly 800 young men and women are graduating from the seven maritime academies in the United States this year, and many will be working on a vessel almost before the ink on their U.S. Coast Guard license is dry. U.S.-flag vessel operators are clamoring for qualified deck and engine officers, so the class of 2011 will soon be gainfully employed. “We welcome our new shipmates,” said James Henry, President of the Transportation Institute, and Chairman of the Board of AMP. “It is no small accomplishment to pass the extensive U.S. Coast Guard exam required for a deck or engine license. Now it’s time to put that knowledge to work moving the cargos that keep American strong and safe.”Click here to read more.
U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY HONORS SAFE SHIP OPERATIONS:
The Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) announced the results of the 2010 Jones F. Devlin Awards at the Annual Safety Awards Luncheon in New Orleans on June 2. More than 180 people representing over 70 companies attended the annual industry-sponored event. The awards were given to vessels that have operated for at least two years without a seafarer being involved in a lost-time injury. “This year, we gave awards to 1,288 vessels for operating more than two years without a lost-time incident,” said Joseph Cox, CSA President. “This extraordinary record is directly attributable to the professionalism of our seafaters and the dedication of shore-based company personnel to safe operation.”
EPA HONORS BARGE OPERATOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has presented a Leadership Award to Ingram Barge Company of Nashville, Tenn., for its use of the latest clean diesel technologies. The company has retrofitted six towboats with diesel oxidation catalysts and implemented clean diesel projects along the Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, and Tennessee River Corridors. Founded in 1946 , the Ingram fleet consists of more than 80 linehaul vessels, 30-plus tug boats, and nearly 4,000 barges.
MEET A MEMBER:
With 17 vessels, American Steamship Company is the largest U.S.-flag operator on the Great Lakes. Headquarted in Williamsville, N.Y., (a suburb of Buffalo), the company has 620 employees, about 580 of which are on the vessels. In a strong economy, ASC will haul upwards of 35 million tons of cargo per year. The company moves iron ore from mines in Minnesota and Michigan to steel mills in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. ASC also hauls limestone and coal to customers in all the Great Lakes states as well as Canada. American Steamship Company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007.