Port Tampa Bay and MARAD to partner on initiatives and planning

TAMPA, Fla.—Port Tampa Bay is pleased to report that port leaders will be collaborating with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) on certain strategies to enhance port planning, in line with MARAD’s developing ‘Strong Ports’ initiative. In addition, Port Tampa Bay, under the direction of port President and CEO Paul Anderson, will continue to work with MARAD on issues such as National Freight Policy, WRDA legislation and other topics germane to building America’s port infrastructure.

“Port Tampa Bay is a strategic asset and will continue to play a major role in global trade, and we must work with our strategic partners like the U.S. Maritime Administration in order to stay on top of policy issues and critical infrastructure developments that will strengthen America’s port system, that will ultimately be to the benefit of Tampa Bay and the State of Florida,” Paul Anderson, port president and CEO, said.

Anderson this week hosted Paul “Chip” Jaenichen, acting administrator of MARAD, on a briefing and tour of Port Tampa Bay. Jaenichen is in town this week co-hosting the American Association of Port Authorities’ conference “Shifting International Trade Routes.”

As part of this collaboration, Anderson expressed his interest in sharing information and best practices with other port industry leaders.

Port Tampa Bay supports nearly 80,000 jobs and generates almost $15 billion in annual economic impact. In addition to being a top 10 U.S. cruise port, the port handles a wide array of bulk, break bulk, containers and roll-on/roll-off cargoes, and is a major shipbuilding and repair center. Port Tampa Bay was recently voted “Simply the Best” for world-class customer service in a Logistics Management Magazine reader poll. For more information, visit www.portTB.com. Follow the port @portTampaBay on Twitter and Port Tampa Bay on Facebook.