The American Waterways Operators and ClassNK signed an agreement under which ClassNK will be authorized to conduct audits of AWO’s Responsible Carrier Program.
The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, hailed the U.S. Coast Guard’s publication of the rule to establish an inspection regime for towing vessels at 46 CFR Subchapter M, which will take safety in the towing industry to a new and historic level.
In an editorial in the Washington Times, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) details the importance of the Jones Act to homeland security. Mr. Hunter is Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.
An editorial in the Seattle Times says that mairitme and manufacturing are vital to growth, accounting for 40 perent of Washington state's gross domestic product and providing an annual income of more than $15 billion.
The failure of a lock and dam affects more than the tugboat, towboat and barge industry. According to a news story from WTAE 4 in Pittsburgh, the crumbling infrastructure in the area affects everyone who depends upon water. Peter Stephaich, CEO of Campbell Transportation was intervewed for the story and provided reporter Paul Van Osdol with a vessel tour.
