Top Maritime Conference in U.S. to Be Held in October

Published May 5, 2004 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

The Maritime Administration will sponsor the Third Annual Short Sea Shipping Conference in New York City, October 13-15, 2004.

The objective of the conference is to build on recent accomplishments in advancing the growing short sea shipping industry in the Americas through the exchange of knowledge and insights. The Conference will convene a broad representation of over 400 experienced leaders from the transportation industry and state and federal agencies, as well as representatives from Mexico, Canada, and Europe.

Much progress has been made since the First Annual MTS Short Sea Shipping Conference held in New York City in 2002. Working together, government and industry leaders have:

? Established the MARAD Conference as the only official U.S. Government sponsored Short Sea Shipping event that brings together industry stakeholder representatives and government officials from our NAFTA and European trading partners.
? Initiated the MARAD Short Sea Shipping Task Force
? Launched the Short Sea Shipping Cooperative Program (SCOOP), comprised of more than 40 public and private participants
? Obtained U.S. DOT policy support for Short Sea Shipping initiatives
? Received a $140,000 grant from the I-95 Coalition to fund a Short Sea Shipping study project through MARAD
? Entered into Memoranda of Cooperation (MOC)?one between MARAD, the Gulf of Mexico Accord; and the Gulf of Mexico States Partnership, Inc.; and one between the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States
? Developed Conference Report findings from the 2nd Annual Short Sea Shipping Conference held last November in Sarasota, Florida
? Developed a study of European Union Short Sea Shipping system development and practices

These exciting developments are just the beginning, and they represent the momentum that is growing for this economical and environmentally-friendly freight transportation alternative.

Mark your calendars now for this important event, and prepare to advance this industry further at the Short Sea Shipping 2004 Conference!

Online registration for this event will begin in the next 60 days. Check back regularly, as space is limited. http://www.marad.dot.gov