Maritime Administration July 25, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Maritime Administration (MARAD) announce that the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) will hold a closed door meeting on August 14, 2014. After a review of all comments received from the interested public during its two national maritime symposiums, MARAD is now planning to provide the council a compilation of select concepts for further consideration. In January 2014, MARAD held a three-day National Maritime Strategy Symposium to discuss issues facing U.S.-flag vessels. The purpose of this initial public meeting was to generate ideas to improve, strengthen, and sustain the cargo opportunities and sealift capacity of the U.S.-flagged fleet engaged in international commercial trade. A second symposium was held in May which focused on domestic shipping, shipbuilding, ports and the needs of maritime stakeholders on the inland waterways, Great Lakes, gulf and coastwise trade. The August 14 meeting will be held to obtain the opinions and views of council members with respect to the value and impact of certain strategy options gathered through MARAD outreach. The input MARAD expects to receive from the council will be part of its on-going deliberations as it prepares a long term maritime strategy.