Over the next year or so, we are going to have a clearer picture of how this new age of geo-politics and super-alliances is going to change the maritime landscape.
Regardless, I do believe that we should continue to navigate through these outlying changes by remaining steadfast on a course of modernizing our seaports and improving our nation’s infrastructure to remain competitive in the global marketplace.
The world’s largest ocean carriers have discovered that forming alliances creates greater efficiencies through vessel sharing and consolidating routes. We can anticipate this will trickle down to regional and midsize carriers as well. We may even see alliances form alliances with each other.
One result of these alliances is that carriers are replacing older fleets with newer, larger ships that need deeper, wider channels. They also need larger berths with super post-Panamax cranes. In addition, our highways, bridges and rail systems are in desperate need of upgrades to meet the challenges of moving more freight safely and efficiently.
It is imperative that our federal officials focus their attention on these challenges, and recognize the need to allocate appropriate funding for infrastructure and transportation. Swift action will enable seaports and the private industries they support to plan for the future. Congress must be proactive in identifying the resources necessary for our nation to keep pace and move forward.
I am hopeful for changes that further national efforts to improve surface transportation, and an integrated freight strategy that moves goods into the marketplace faster, reliably, and cleanly. To that end, Congress must identify a long-term funding strategy to construct and maintain that infrastructure.
It is all about our nation’s economic future and well-being.