MARAD to Hold Public Meetings on Revitalizing U.S.-Flag Great Lakes Fleet

On December 29, the U.S. Maritime Administration announced February 2011 public stakeholder meetings in Cleveland, Duluth and Chicago. The meetings are intended to gather information for a one-year Great Lakes maritime investment option study commissioned by MARAD on November 19, 2010 with ABS Consulting and Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute. The meetings and study are particularly focused on the impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency's new marine diesel engine air emission requirements scheduled to go into effect in January 2012. The Lake Carrier's Association representing U.S.-flag Great Lakes vessels has vigorously protested the new rules as they have developed, claiming that the new requirements will force the retirement of 13 of the 55 U.S.-flag Great Lakes vessels.