Maritime Companies Should Act Quickly to Have a Say in New Federal Policies

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) published its Notice of Public Meeting on Sept. 1.  announcing its next public meeting of the U.S. Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (MTSNAC) to develop and discuss advice and recommendations for the U.S. Department of Transportation on issues related to the marine transportation system.

The MTSNAC is a federal advisory committee created by statute and charged with advising the Transportation Secretary through MARAD on issues relating to the national maritime transportation system, specifically, how that system can best integrate with other segments of the national transportation system.

At the Sept. 23 public meeting, MARAD and MTSNAC are seeking public comment on ways to:

• Strengthen U.S. maritime capabilities essential to national security and economic prosperity
• Ensure the availability of a diverse and inclusive workforce that will support the sealift resource needs of the National Security Strategy
• Support the enhancement of U.S. port infrastructure and performance
• Enable maritime industry innovation in information, safety, environmental impact, and other areas

Through the meeting, MTSNAC is tasked with gathering information and developing technical advice that will then be presented as recommendations to the MARAD Administrator. These recommendations will inform MARAD policy and potentially impact every business in the marine sector.

Given the breadth of information requested by the committee and the direct report that will be presented to MARAD, this open meeting presents a great opportunity for marine stakeholders to step up and play a meaningful role in development of U.S. national maritime policies. Whether you are a technology startup selling SaaS in the marine sector, a multinational fully integrated energy company, or somewhere in between, there is a place for your comment at this meeting. 

As with any public policies, the recommendations coming out of this meeting will not be to every company’s taste or benefit. That is why if you or your company deal with the U.S. maritime sector, getting your comments—either in person or in writing—in front of MTSNAC is important. If you have questions about this MTSNAC meeting or other aspects of U.S. maritime policy, contact Evan Spencer or any member of Phelps’ Admiralty team.