National maritime strategy gains support

A recent hearing of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation – part of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Transport and Infrastructure – suggests that the U.S. Merchant Marine industry may be poised for a major comeback.

That’s good news for U.S. shippers, of course, but also strengthens our global security position at a time when we may need all available resources for national defense.

“Each year, the U.S. maritime industry accounts for over $100 billion in economic output,” said sub-committee chairman, Duncan Hunter, a Republican Congressman from San Diego. “Some $29 billion of which consisted of wages going to some 260,000 workers.”

Unfortunately, over the last 35 years, the number of U.S. flagged vessels sailing in the international trade has dropped from 850 to less than 90.  Less than two percent of the world’s tonnage now moves on U.S. flagged vessels.

In the same period, the nation has lost over 300 shipyards and thousands of jobs for American mariners. This trend must be reversed, argued Hunter, before it’s too late.

To that end, another California congressman (and sub-committee member), Rep. John Garamendi has joined Hunter in urging MARAD’s new Administrator “Chip” Jaenichen, Jr. to develop a national maritime strategy.

“If we want to grow our economy and remain a world power capable of defending ourselves and our allies, we must work together to strengthen our merchant marine,” added Hunter.