AWO Commends Reintroduction of SHIPS for America Act. In another milestone for Washington, DC's growing recognition of American maritime's importance to U.S. economic and national security, a bipartisan group of legislators - Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) - has reintroduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act for the 119th Congress.

Building on the foundation of the Jones Act, the SHIPS for America Act takes key steps to bolster the U.S.-flag international fleet, including by: establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor in the White House to lead the development of a whole-of-government National Maritime Strategy; establishing a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years; expanding the U.S. shipyard industrial base; and making historic investments in maritime workforce development.

AWO issued the following statement in support of the SHIPS for America Act: "As the largest sector of the U.S. domestic maritime fleet, the tugboat, towboat and barge industry applauds Senators Kelly and Young, and Congressmen Garamendi and Kelly, for championing legislation that addresses key strategic needs of domestic maritime. The bipartisan SHIPS for America Act and President Trump's Executive Order on Restoring America's Maritime Dominance signal a government-wide recognition of the importance of a robust American maritime industry to our economy, supply chain, and national security, and we look forward to working with Congress and the Trump Administration to build a strong future for this vital industry."

AWO Supports House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's Historic Investment in the Coast Guard. AWO expressed support for the House T&I Committee's Budget Reconciliation package, which proposes substantial investment in the readiness, safety, and modernization of the Coast Guard. The proposed investment aims to strengthen the Coast Guard's capabilities in border security, port security, and maritime law enforcement, and also provides essential support for aging infrastructure, fleet modernization, and technical upgrades.  

 AWO's President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter, commented on the legislation: "As the largest segment of American maritime, the tugboat, towboat and barge industry is proud to be a longtime partner to the United States Coast Guard in ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. maritime transportation system. We commend the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for its leadership in proposing generational investment in the Coast Guard to provide it with the resources needed to execute its broad and vital mission set."

AWO President Advocates for Jones Act in Puerto Rico. AWO President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter, in her capacity as President of the American Maritime Partnership, recently traveled to Puerto Rico to conduct of a series of educational and advocacy visits on the importance of American maritime and the Jones Act to the island. During her brief visit, Jennifer met with Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R), Speaker of the Puerto State House of Representatives Carlos "Johnny" Mendez Nunez (PNP), and leaders from the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce and Invest Puerto Rico; conducted an interview with El Vocero, one of Puerto Rico's two leading newspapers; and toured Crowley and TOTE Maritime facilities.

States Respond to NTSB Recommendations from Dali Investigation. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) recently completed a vulnerability assessment for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, one of 68 bridges across 19 states that the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended for further investigation following the March 2024 Key Bridge accident in Baltimore.

The MDTA's vulnerability assessment found that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge did not meet current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards, prompting the agency to begin developing measures to reduce the risk of bridge strikes. MDTA has announced that it is considering bridge operational restrictions, regulatory requirements for vessel transits under the Bay Bridge, and physical protection measures.

MDTA is one of the first bridge owners among those listed in the NTSB report to respond to the NTSB recommendations. The Florida Department of Transportation and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority have also begun examining some of the bridges in their inventory. To date, no bridge owners have identified changes to tug escort requirements as a potential mitigation measure.

Please contact Liam Morcroft with any questions or concerns related to the NTSB study or potential mitigation strategies.

Vane Bros. and AWO Featured in Epoch Times Article on CARB CHC Rule. On May 3, the Epoch Times published a story for its "Premium Reports" section on the California Air Resources Board's Commercial Harbor Craft Rule and the significant safety, supply chain, and economic challenges the rule is creating for California operators. The story features commentary from several Vane Bros. experts, including Vice President, Operations and AWO Immediate Past Chairman Rick Iuliucci, and AWO's President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter. You can read the full story here (subscription required).

Support Workforce Advocacy by Participating in NWF Survey. AWO recently shared a survey link with representatives of carrier members that operate on the inland waterways. This survey is part of a National Waterways Foundation research project that will compare workforce factors and opportunities in the inland waterways' industry to the rail and trucking industries. To participate in this important effort that will create clear, compelling data for AWO's advocacy work and our industry's public engagement, submit a single response for your company by May 22 using the emailed link. If you have any questions, contact Patrick Parsons. 

AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO PAC has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition, featuring 2026 election analysis in Illinois, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin.

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 Secures Key Legislative Wins in Washington State. Thanks to the combined efforts of AWO and allied maritime organizations, prior to adjourning their 105-day legislative session, Washington state legislators withdrew proposals to place taxes on the movement on interstate cargo and remove the tax preference on stevedoring. In especially good news for operators in the South Puget Sound area, the legislature also appropriated $100,000 for a pumpout in Tacoma for commercial vessels.

AWO Members Discuss Sub M Issues with Sector Puget Sound. AWO members met with Sector Puget Sound in late April to discuss Subchapter M and ways to improve communication between vessel operators and Coast Guard personnel. This lunch with the Captain of the Port and his leadership team provided an important opportunity to address issues of mutual concern, including safety on the waterways and the implications of a Coast Guard hiring freeze for inspection scheduling.

AWO Members Meet with Sector San Francisco to Discuss Industry Priorities. AWO members spent two hours with Sector San Francisco on Coast Guard Island, where they discussed issues of mutual concern including the Commercial Harbor Craft Rule, Subchapter M, and the Coast Guard Board of Inquiry stemming from the Dali allision with the Key Bridge, among other topics. Captain of the Port Jordan Baldueza, and his team welcomed the group to their facility and spent time hearing from members on the state of the industry. The executive director of San Francisco's Marine Exchange also attended and provided an overview of his priorities and how members can play a role in various working groups under his purview.

Blue Highways Initiative Announced in NYC. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and Con Agg Global recently unveiled plans for a new waterside transloading facility in Hunts Point, Bronx. This facility will, in part, utilize barge transportation to replace trucks, significantly relieving congestion in the South Bronx by removing approximately 1,000 truck trips per month. Set to begin operations in 2025, the facility will support food and beverage distribution and construction projects, with future expansions planned in the coming years.

Developing a workable Marine Highway Program has been a priority of Northeast states for several years. As maritime is the most efficient, environmentally friendly mode of transportation, AWO supports all efforts to prioritize maritime trade and will continue to work with New York State and our port partners to help this initiative succeed.

Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day & Boating Safety Week Coming Soon. AWO is promoting Boating Safety Week again this year by participating in Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on May 16 to kick off Safe Boating week, which runs from May 17-23.

AWO encourages members to participate in this virtual event by following these three easy steps on May 16:

• Spread the word: Let your co-workers know that May 16 is Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day.
• Snap a picture: Take a picture of you and your co-workers in life jackets at work or home on May 16.
• Share on social: Share on social media using the hashtag #wearyourlifejacketatworkday. Be sure to tag AWO and the Safe Boating Campaign too!

• • Facebook: @BoatingCampaign & @American-Waterways-Operators
  • X, Instagram, LinkedIn: @BoatingCampaign & @AWOAdvocacy

Don't use social media? Email photos to safety@americanwaterways.com. Use the subject line "Life Jacket at Work Pictures" to be sure your pictures are included in AWO's posts!

AWO Spring Convention is Next Week! Register today to secure your spot at AWO's can't-miss event. This year's convention will feature timely discussion of important public policy issues, networking events, and our annual Barge-In advocacy day on Capitol Hill.

Login to the AWO Member Dashboard to register and contact AWO Meetings if you need assistance.

AWO Newsletters Available in the AWO Mobile App. Did you miss an AWO Letter or Navigating to Zero safety newsletter? Emailed newsletters are posted exclusively on the news feed of the AWO mobile app. Download today on iPhone or Android, and don't miss the latest industry news!