U.S. Maritime Administration releases strategic plan

U.S. Maritime Administration releases strategic plan    The U.S. Maritime Administration has published a strategic plan for 2003-2008, addressing congestion, national security and the environment.
   “The nation’s inland waterway, marine and landside infrastructure is operating at or near capacity,” MarAd noted in its plan. “Due to constraints on capital, environment and land use, it is uncertain whether sufficient new terminals and infrastructure will be added to meet projected demands on the transportation system,” MarAd said.
   Addressing congestion “will require a systemic approach to moving freight,” as shippers demand “more reliable door-to-door freight services,” the plan said.
   In terms of national security, MarAd said it will continue to support “transportation requirements of the Department of Defense.”
   As for the environment, MarAd said it will concentrate on ship disposal, marine air emissions and energy use, and ballast water management. In particular, “we will lessen the risk of environmental contamination posed by MarAd-owned transportation assets,” especially “the obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet.”
   For the complete plan, see https://www.marad.dot.gov.