Navigating global commerce in this age of shifting trade lanes and new super-alliances has created escalating infrastructure challenges for the United States, especially with regard to our seaports. The world’s largest ocean carriers have already discovered that forming alliances creates greater efficiencies. They are replacing older fleets with newer, larger ships that need deeper, wider channels. These carriers are also exploring trade route options, which are creating a debate about the benefits of the expanded Panama Canal versus the Suez Canal versus a new Grand Canal through Nicaragua, all with the net result of putting larger ships into service.
During 2016, it is imperative that the U.S. Congress focuses its attention on these challenges and recognizes the need to pass the Water Resource Reform and Development Act (or WRRDA) and allocate appropriate funding, which will enable seaports and the private industries they support to plan for the future. Simply put, it is about our nation’s economic future and well-being.
When the last WRRDA bill was passed in 2014, Congress promised to enact WRRDA legislation every two years. There had been a seven-year gap between the 2014 bill and previous legislation. During that time, critical infrastructure projects were delayed while construction costs increased. U.S. ports were put at a strategic disadvantage on a global scale.
U.S. seaports and their international shipping customers should not be held captive by the process to the point that they don’t have the tools to do their job. Congress must be proactive and pass another WRRDA bill this year and identify the resources necessary for our nation to keep pace and move forward.
Steven M. Cernak, CEO and Port Director, Port Everglades