Maritime industry makes its voice heard on Capitol Hill

Hundreds of U.S. maritime industry representatives have visited Capitol Hill to highlight the critical role the industry plays in boosting America’s economic, national and homeland security. Three events this spring –the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) Spring General Membership Meeting; the “Barge-In;” and the “Sail-In” –brought representatives of shipyards, mariners and companies from throughout the country to Washington, DC.

“The domestic maritime industry plays a critical role in protecting America’s economic, national and homeland security, and these events are focused on making that point to Congress,” said James Henry, President of the Transportation Institute and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Maritime Partnership. “Hundreds of industry representatives from throughout the nation, including ship operators, shipbuilders and mariners, discussed how the U.S. shipping industry provides safe, efficient waterborne commerce and a merchant marine that supports our military throughout the world.”

The SCA hosted its Spring General Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C. April 4-6. The three-day event brought together more than 50 representatives from shipyards and industry affiliates from across the country to discuss important issues facing the industry. SCA members met with Members of Congress to discuss how the Jones Act is vital to America’s economic, national and homeland security.

On April 6, 103 American Waterways Operators (AWO) members attended the annual “Barge-In” on Capitol Hill to directly engage lawmakers on AWO’s legislative priorities, including supporting the American maritime industry and the Jones Act as well as focusing the Congressional response to the Deepwater Horizon accident on oil drilling safety. Over the course of the day, AWO members met with 113 Senators and Representatives, an increase in the number of official visits over 2010.

Nearly 200 American maritime industry representatives from throughout the country traveled to Washington for the second-annual “Sail-In” on May 4. The broad grassroots education event updated Members of Congress and Congressional staff about the many benefits of a strong U.S. maritime industry. This year’s event included 185 participants from 22 states, 52 congressional districts, 38 companies, 11 unions and labor organizations, and ten related associations.

May 16, 2011