Merger Agreement for Commercial Shipping in Canada/U.S.

The Chamber of Marine Commerce and the Canadian Shipowners Association (CSA) are pleased to announce a merger agreement that will create a strong, united voice for commercial shipping in Canada and the United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Chamber of Marine Commerce will assume the assets, liabilities and staff of the CSA.  Based in Ottawa, Canada, the merged entity will continue to be called the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

“We’re uniting two organizations that have successfully promoted the interests of commercial marine shipping for many decades. Both associations recognize that we have many shared goals and issues and that combining our resources will make us a much stronger advocate for the future growth of our industry,” said Wayne Smith, Chairman of the Chamber of Marine Commerce.

Allister Paterson, Chairman of the CSA, added: “One of our common objectives is to foster a harmonized and efficient regulatory climate throughout the bi-national Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region and along the eastern seaboard and northern coasts. Our combined teams will now be working in tandem to deliver that message to the public, media and all levels of government in Canada and the U.S.”

Brian Benko, a member of the Chamber of Marine Commerce’s Board of Directors and VP Procurement at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, said: “The Chamber represents a uniquely broad spectrum of marine shipping stakeholders, including industrial customers like ArcelorMittal Dofasco. The merger allows for the association to increase its effectiveness on behalf of all members to ensure the Great Lakes-Seaway system remains a cost efficient, competitive way to transport goods within North America and to overseas destinations.”