Crowley’s Harland testifies on USCG Arctic presence

AUGUST 7, 2012 — Bruce Harland, Vice President-Commercial Services of Crowley Maritime Corporation, testified this week on behalf of Crowley and the American Waterways Operators (AWO) before a Kodiak, Alaska, field hearing of the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.  The hearing, which was held at the request of Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK-R) and led by Subcommittee chairwoman Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), focused on the need for a robust U.S. Coast Guard presence in Alaska as the U.S. pursues expanding navigation opportunities in the Arctic region.

“In spite of extreme weather events, unpredictable ice conditions, draft limitations and the area’s sheer remote location,” said Mr. Harland, “AWO member companies have worked for many years within these limitations as well as in close coordination with the Coast Guard and State of Alaska to develop a safe, efficient and cost effective system that provides transportation and fuel delivery services to villages and business in the region.”

Mr. Harland’s testimony urged the Subcommittee and U.S. Coast Guard to consider several points critical to continued safe navigation:

• Accurate charting and hydrographic information;
• Greater use of electronic charting and other aids;
• Increased AIS coverage to help identify vessels;
• A vessel traffic system for Unimak Pass and Bering Straits;
• More accurate regional weather and tide information;
• Improved Coast Guard incident response and search and rescue capabilities;
• Greater ice breaking capabilities; and
• Establishment of a Deepwater Arctic Port.

“The industry has developed innovative tools and procedures to adapt to the unique conditions that navigation in the Arctic region poses,” said Mr. Harland.  “We are confident that these tools, combined with the experience and professionalism of our mariners, will continue to meet the region’s needs. We greatly appreciate the Subcommittee’s consideration of what is necessary for safe operation and expansion moving forward.”