Coast Guard Bill Enacted by Congress with Key AWO Priorities. The Coast Guard Authorization Act was passed this week as part of H.R. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026, and is headed to the President's desk for signature. The bill includes three AWO policy priorities: an amendment to the 2022 Safer Seas Act that defines harassment in a manner consistent with existing federal statute and protects the ability of employers to take timely action to prevent or address workplace incidents; a provision directing the Coast Guard to complete a final rule on Atlantic Coast safe navigation fairways by the end of 2026; and language codifying existing policy for new anchorages on the Hudson River that preserves the ability of tug and barge units to anchor at any time for safety reasons. AWO thanks all members who advocated for these priorities at the Barge-In and in grassroots meetings with legislators, and appreciates Congress's bipartisan support for these common-sense provisions. 

 

NTSB Releases Final Report on Key Bridge Collapse. The NTSB recently released its final report on its investigation into the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The report reiterates the probable cause of the incident as well as the safety recommendations made in the NTSB's initial report and November 20 Board meeting: a loose signal wire caused a loss of propulsion and steering onboard the Dali, leading to contact with the bridge and its subsequent collapse. Contributing factors included a lack of bridge protections and the vessel's proximity to the bridge during the loss of propulsion and steering. The NTSB's recommendations, directed to the vessel's operator, classification societies, certain manufacturers, and U.S. Coast Guard, among others, cover multiple safety issues and are intended to reduce the risk of future incidents through changes in maintenance practices, safety management, equipment standards, and emergency warning/communication. Please contact Liam Morcroft with any questions.  

 

AWO, GICA Notify Coast Guard of Unsafe Bridge Operation. AWO partnered with the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association to advise the Coast Guard's Heartland District of potentially unsafe operation of the Missouri Pacific Railroad bridge near Belle Chase, LA. Several members had used AWO's Bridge Event Reporting Program to report near misses when transiting under the bridge. AWO and GICA did not advocate for enforcement actions, but requested that the Coast Guard meet with the bridge owner and operator to remind them of their regulatory requirements and the serious risks associated with unannounced bridge closures. The Coast Guard did so and AWO looks forward to further communication between the parties to improve safety for all modes of transportation. Please contact Jill Bessetti for more information.

 

AWO Introduces Louisiana Students to the Tugboat, Towboat, and Barge Industry. AWO partnered with We Work the Waterways at the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans to introduce the maritime industry to more than 300 Louisiana high school students. AWO's Senior Director -- Safety & Sustainability Mike Breslin and Sidney Blakemore of Canal Barge led an educational session with students during a day of hands-on learning and industry exploration. The interactive presentation covered the maritime industry's economic impact, career opportunities, and advice to help young applicants secure a job. The students then heard from an industry panel including representatives from Karl Senner, Shamrock Marine, Eckstein Trade & Transport, Cummins, and Louisiana Gateway Port, who shared their experiences and answered students' questions. After the panel, students moved to the WorkBoat Show floor to explore and interact with maritime organizations and learn more about the industry. For more information, please contact Michael Breslin. 

 

AWO Highlights Industry's Alaska Impact in Coast Guard Journal. AWO's Pacific Region Vice President and Regional Team Lead Peter Schrappen authored an article for the Fall 2025 issue of the Coast Guard journal Proceedings, highlighting the vital role the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry plays in transporting fuel and supplies throughout Alaska. The article, which features interviews with several AWO members, underscores how Alaska relies on waterways commerce to support infrastructure and sustain communities, and explains the importance of the Jones Act to these efforts. The full article is available here, starting on page 68.

 

Updated Tug Escort Requirements for Puget Sound to Take Effect This Month. As reported in the December 5, 2025, AWO Letter, new requirements for escort tugs operating in Puget Sound will become effective on December 21.  

The rule adopted by the Washington Board of Pilotage Commissioners last month expands tug escort requirements to cover oil tankers between 5,000 and 40,000 DWT, as well as barges and articulated tug-barges over 5,000 DWT when carrying oil in bulk. The rule expands the tug escort area by 11% and requires pre-escort conferences and minimum horsepower and propulsion for escort tugs. For more information, please contact Lillie Wightman.

AWO Leaders Meet with Sector Columbia River. Representatives from Shaver Transportation, Tidewater Barge Lines, Foss Maritime, and AWO's Pacific Region Vice President Peter Schrappen met with Sector Columbia River Commander CAPT Migliorini and his team in mid-December. During the meeting, members provided an overview of their operations and discussed shared priorities with Sector Columbia River. The discussion included an exchange on emerging issues facing the maritime industry, including the Coast Guard's new cybersecurity regulations. 

AWO Members Honored at River Bell Awards. On December 11, AWO members were honored during the Seamen's Church Institute's annual River Bell Awards luncheon in Paducah, KY. George Leavell, CEO, Wepfer Marine, Inc., received the River Bell Award; Bill Barr, Amherst Madison Inc.(retired), was honored with the River Legend Award; and Marty Hettel (retired), American Commercial Barge Line, received the Distinguished Service Award. The crews of Crounse Corporation's m/v Susan Robinson and Moran Towing Corporation's m/v Mary Moran were honored with the Lifesaving Award.  

Congratulations to all of this year's awardees -- AWO is proud of you!

AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO PAC has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition, featuring a House overview with updated analysis for more than 120 seats around the country and rating changes in 16 races. 

AWO PAC is the connected political action committee for The American Waterways Operators and serves as the trade association's separate segregated fund. As a trade association, AWO is prohibited from using general treasury funds or membership dues to make federal contributions. AWO is one of the most effective advocacy associations in Washington, DC, and relies on voluntary personal contributions to fund AWO PAC.

AWO PAC supports federal candidates who are champions of the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry and who are leaders on issues important to our industry. AWO PAC is dedicated to protecting AWO members' investments in the safest, most environmentally responsible and most economical mode of freight transportation and safeguarding the integrity of the Jones Act to protect the bottom lines of our members.

AWO PAC may solicit contributions from individuals of a member company once the member representative gives AWO written prior approval.

AWO Is Proud to Announce PSC Group as our Exclusive Diamond Meeting Sponsor for 2026! We look forward to a successful year of partnership. AWO's 2026 Sponsorship Program is designed to offer members enhanced visibility, exclusive benefits, and meaningful engagement opportunities across all AWO meetings and events throughout the year. For more information, and to view other opportunities, click here. 

Save the Date for AWO's 2026 Events! Get ready for another exciting year of connection, collaboration, and industry leadership with AWO. Our 2026 events will bring members together across the country to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and advance safety and success in the industry.

Don't miss out -- plan ahead and make 2026 your most connected year yet. Visit our Event Calendar to learn more and register for these events today!