The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) says it is seeking
leaders in all segments of the US maritime industry to participate in a
National Maritime Strategy Symposium scheduled for Tues., May 6 at MARAD
headquarters in Washington, DC.
The agency says its seeking participants to help it identify
concerns, opportunities and issues facing the US maritime industry.
The symposium’s focus is on domestic US maritime issues.
Principal focus areas are planned to include: US ports, domestic shipping, US
shipyards, environmental compliance & maritime energy use, and
labor/workforce.
In January, MARAD conducted the first of two National
Maritime Strategy Symposiums, where over 200 maritime stakeholders came
together to discuss and respond to the issues facing US-flag vessels. The
purpose of initial meeting was to solicit input from individuals that will be
used to generate ideas to improve, strengthen, and sustain the cargo
opportunities and sealift capacity of the US-flagged fleet engaged in
international commercial trade.
The second symposium is planned for MARAD Headquarters, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20590. It’s open to the public, but
seating is limited and advance registration is required. Registration is on a
first come, first served basis.
Following this initiative, MARAD says it will develop new
policies to: “keep America’s sealift capability robust; protect our long-term
economic interests; and maintain the strategic assets of the US Merchant
Marine.”
Those interested in attending can register online at https://eventregistration.marad.dot.gov/EventsRegistrationForms/Online_regist_form.aspx.