Since our nation’s inception, the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry have been unshakeable pillars supporting our economy, defense and security. In 2016, this will remain a fact of American life — but there are changes and developments on the horizon that will undoubtedly transform our industry.
As the new expanded locks of the Panama Canal are slated to open by April, the new year will be one of adjustment for U.S. ports, intermodal facilities and shippers. The tremendous locks will bring some of the world’s largest container ships to U.S. ports, delivering more than 12,000 20-foot-equivalent containers in a single vessel call, and triggering millions of new moves for U.S. freight industry logistics. In addition, the expanded canal will create greater export opportunities for American agriculture and energy, which could spark robust activity on our nation’s inland and coastal waterways.
It will also be the year of the National Maritime Strategy — a framework of practical actions to strengthen and fortify every segment of the U.S. maritime industry. Among its strategic goals are actions to safeguard capabilities crucial for our economic strength and defense, and maintain world-class operations at our ports.
Forged by input from hundreds of industry stakeholders in a process facilitated by the Maritime Administration, the strategy is now nearing completion. In the months to come, the preliminary strategy will be posted on the Federal Register (www.federalregister.gov), and I am challenging every individual with a stake in marine transportation and trade to help assess and shape this tool so it can best help our industry realize its potential.
The National Maritime Strategy has been designed to be a lasting tool that can be leveraged over the course of several decades and administrations, and have positive repercussions all throughout the global supply chain, but it will require continued assessment, guidance and involvement from the full spectrum of logistics leaders to assist our industry in carrying it forward.