Looking Beyond Maritime’s “Moment”

It’s been said that American maritime is “having a moment” in Washington, DC.

From President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance, to introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral SHIPS for America Act in Congress, the U.S. maritime industry has been a subject of focused attention at the highest levels of government, and rightfully so. At their core, these initiatives are driven by recognition that a strong maritime industry is not only vital to the American economy, but also fundamental to our national security, particularly as China continues its rapid maritime expansion to further its own geopolitical ambitions.
Add to that the Trump administration’s goal of unleashing the American economy by streamlining regulatory burdens, and it all adds up to a real convergence of opportunity for the domestic maritime industry.

In this environment – as the tugboat, towboat and barge industry’s advocate, resource, and united voice for safe, sustainable and efficient transportation on America’s waterways, oceans and coasts – AWO is working hard to ensure that our nation’s reinvigorated commitment to a robust American maritime industry endures beyond a single “moment,” and is not limited to what happens in DC. We need to translate this renewed focus into tangible action