I am pleased to report a significant amount of positive feedback from mariners when discussing new MARAD (Maritime Administration) initiatives. In addition to being on the forefront of new LNG programs they are aggressively pursuing new ways of providing job opportunities for U.S. Mariners and, the *word on the street* is they are even working with the IRS to protect our interests with regards to the Sailor Tax Deduction Debacle.
One of the programs that gets too little attention is the Marine Highway Initiative. What is the program nicknamed “American’s Marine Highway” all about. Maritime Administrator, Sean T. Connaughton tells us;
Our marine highways are a cost effective, yet under utilized, method for the movement of passengers, containers, and bulk cargoes that is especially fuel efficient, safe, and reliable.
Accelerated use of the waterborne transportation mode holds forth a special promise for tomorrow in; reducing traffic congestion, enhancing freight flow, expanding freight capacity, and providing a new pathway for hazardous materials.
Maybe it’s because MARAD touts advantageous like “new pathway for hazardous materials” over headline grabbing sound bites that key into popular culture (how about “America’s Green Highway - Moving Cargo While Reducing Greenhouse Gas”) but the program contains major benefits for industry, consumers and the environment.
Despite a long line of marketing errors they might finally be on the right track with the attractive logo seen below and a new video that makes you ask; Why haven’t we been doing this all along?
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Fred Fry International: Maritime Monday 86 // Nov 26, 2007 at 1:03 pm
[…] the story. Where is the movie on this guy?gCaptain has the Maritime Administration’s initiative: “American’s Marine Highway”gCaptain also has “History’s 10 Most Famous Oil […]
2 Al // Nov 27, 2007 at 4:29 pm
When does this start? When do we accept the tug and barge as a dangerous option over motorized barges as they use in Europe? Vast majority of tugs stay with and work one barge exclusively. There needs to be a rules review over the dangers of an uninspected tug with poorly trained individuals and shoddy self-inspected equipment. Status quo and history as always been this way does equate as safe or the right way to promote safety on the coastal and rivers of the USA.
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