‘The global shipping industry is changing as technology is advancing and economic demands change, allowing for larger ships and new trade routes. As Director of Maritime Affairs for the Chamber of Shipping of America, my motivation is to ensure that the US shipping industry may grow and adapt to these changes to maintain competitive in the global market. The Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) represents U.S. based companies that own, operate or charter oceangoing tank, container, or dry bulk vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades and companies that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. Our mission is to represent members’ interests regarding U.S. and International legislative, regulatory, and administrative entities.
The ocean is growing crowded with emerging industries and commerce leading to more users. Numerous state, federal and international agencies manage the ocean and its uses, but are often not coordinating their efforts, leading to conflicting regulations, confusion, lost time and unnecessary cost for users.
The ocean planning process in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic make sense to me. The Regional Planning Bodies provide a forum where agencies and stakeholders can come together to share information and plan for both sustainable development and sensible ocean health. The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portals, which the Chamber of Shipping was able to provide input for, is a useful tool for both agencies and individuals.’