American Waterways Operators

AWO applauds Tennessee General Assembly for passing Jones Act resolution

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) applauds the Tennessee General Assembly for passing SJR0954, a resolution that reinforces support for the Jones Act, the foundational law of American maritime requiring that any vessel moving cargo between U.S. ports must be American-owned, crewed, and built.

Last month, Sen. Janice Bowling (R – Tenn.) introduced the resolution, which emphasizes the law’s “important role in fostering a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Tennessee’s and...

https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/inland/awo-applauds-tennessee-general-assembly-for-passing-jones-act-resolution/

Marine Log announces new editorial advisory board

Now that we are getting settled into 2022, Marine Log has a host of new developments coming online this year—including a new conference (to be announced), more webinars focused on offshore developments and sustainability, additional podcasts and two additional digital special reports focused on power and design. But first, we wanted to introduce to our readers Marine Log’s Editorial Advisory Board.

The committee, composed of nine experts in the maritime industry, will act as points of...

https://www.marinelog.com/news/marine-log-announces-new-editorial-advisory-board/

CARB poised to adopt unworkable harbor craft regulations

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is poised to approve harbor craft engine emission regulations that, as drafted, appear deeply flawed.

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) is urging the board to reconsider the draft regulations.

AWO is deeply concerned that CARB’s proposed regulations, which could be adopted today,
mandate engine technology that is not available and is not certified as safe by the U.S. Coast Guard; impose an infeasible compliance schedule; and vastly underestimate the...

https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/carb-poised-to-adopt-unworkable-harbor-craft-regulations/

AWO applauds Virginia state Jones Act resolution

The American Waterways Operators (AWO) is commending the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates on the recent passage of a joint resolution expressing “resolute support” for the Jones Act, the federal law that requires vessels transporting cargo between two U.S. ports be American-built, American-owned and American-crewed.

The Virginia resolution highlights the importance of the Jones Act as it “continues to foster a strong domestic maritime industry that is critical to Virginia’s and the...

https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/awo-applauds-virginia-state-jones-act-resolution/

AWO releases Environmental Stewardship Best Practices

The American Waterways Operators Board of Directors has approved Environmental Stewardship Best Practices tools to assist AWO members in reducing their environmental footprint and demonstrating their commitment to environmental sustainability.

The voluntary best practices, developed by AWO’s Environmental Stewardship Working Group, address water quality, energy efficiency, air quality, waste management and corporate responsibility.

These best practices are drawn from member input, as well as...

https://www.marinelog.com/inland-coastal/inland/awo-releases-environmental-stewardship-best-practices/

Maritime industry scores big wins in year-end bills, but fails to get liability shield

Grain barge traffic was up for the week ending Sept. 8. David Krapf photo

Congress delivered a big win for inland waterways infrastructure this week when it agreed to change the cost-share arrangement for new lock and dam construction, but disappointed the maritime industry by refusing to give businesses liability protection from coronavirus-related lawsuits.

On Monday, both chambers passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 as part of a broader omnibus appropriations and Covid-19 relief funding package. That bill contains two important provisions for...

https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/maritime-industry-scores-big-wins-in-year-end-bills-but-fails-to-get-liability-shield/

Maritime industry seeks $3.5 billion for Covid-19 expenses

The containership CMA CGM John Adams inbound to Savannah, Ga., with the tugs Cooper Moran (left) and Laura K Moran. Kirk Moore photo.

As Congress moves closer to providing a second Covid-19 relief package, the maritime industry is asking for $3.5 billion in emergency funds to help the maritime transportation system pay the high costs of moving commerce and keeping workers safe during the pandemic.

In letters this week to congressional leadership and Treasury Secretary Steven Munchin, associations representing the maritime trades said the industry has “encountered significant hardships” and “unique and unexpected challenges” as...

https://www.workboat.com/news/government/maritime-industry-seeks-3-5-billion-for-covid-19-expenses/

AWO releases video thanking commercial mariners for their role during Covid-19

The American Waterways Operators released a new video today thanking the mariners of the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry for their vital role in helping the nation navigate the Covid-19 pandemic.

Throughout 2020, commercial mariners, part of the essential critical infrastructure workforce, have risen to the challenges of operating through the pandemic, severe weather and more while continuing to deliver the cargo that keeps America’s economy moving. AWO produced the short video, 2020:...

https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/awo-releases-video-thanking-commercial-mariners-for-their-role-during-covid-19-pandemic/

Constant training can help prevent man overboard incidents

Man overboard (MOB) incidents are among the top causes of injuries and fatalities on inland towing vessels, and preventing such incidents requires constant training and vigilance by all employees, from boat crews to shoreside personnel.

That’s a conclusion of a security expert who explained how Marathon Petroleum is confronting the problem during a Sept. 1 safety webinar organized by the American Waterways Operators as part of its Virtual Summer of Safety series.

Man overboard “is your number one...

https://www.workboat.com/news/coastal-inland-waterways/constant-training-can-help-prevent-man-overboard-incidents/

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