Prospective MarAd chief vows close relations with shipping industry

Prospective MarAd chief vows close relations with shipping industry    Sean T. Connaughton, President Bush's pick as next maritime administrator, vowed to Senators during his conformation hearing Thursday that he would keep the agency focused on pressing national maritime issues.
   These issues include U.S.-flag commercial fleet development, congestion reduction, short-sea shipping initiatives, cargo preference compliance, and national security.
   'Greater use of the maritime transportation system, through elements such as short sea shipping and multimodal port development, offer the potential to reduce congestion while increasing efficiency of our ports and waterways,' Connaughton said.
   He also said the military will become more dependent on commercial transportation networks.
   'These challenges and changes are of such importance that we must plan wisely now to ensure a more effective marine transportation system that serves our national need for personal mobility and for the safe and efficient movement of domestic and international freight,' Connaughton testified.
   He added that to meet these objectives will require he work closely with the Congress and ocean shipping industry. During questioning, Connaughton said, if confirmed, he would immediately reach out to the shipping industry to gain a clear understanding of their problems, concerns and goals.
   Prior to his nomination, Connaughton worked as counsel to law firm Troutman Saunders. He also served as chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in Virginia. He is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and has served as an officer in both the Coast Guard and Navy.
   If confirmed by the Senate, Connaughton will replace former Maritime Administrator William G. Schubert, who resigned from this post at the start of Bush's second term. Bush was forced to withdraw the nomination of David Sanborn to this post after the political debacle earlier this year over Dubai World Port's attempt to acquire the U.S. terminal operations of Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co.
   Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, and other senior senators of key maritime states on the committee, such as Trent Lott, R-Miss., and Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawaii, praised Connaughton's nomination.
   Stevens said the committee will push for a full Senate vote to conclude Connaughton's confirmation to maritime administrator before the end of next week when the nation's lawmakers take their August recess.