Page 6: of Marine News Magazine (June 2012)

Change: We find ourselves this month on the threshold of possibly the most important national elections in decades. At stake are many issues, including maritime industry pleas for full disbursement of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), which is being pushed for through the so-called RAMP Act. Anemic funding proposals for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (5 percent below FY 2012's appropriation) also has operators and shippers alike worried that dredging and maintenance will continue to fall short of physical requirements. Will the coming elections involve appreciable change? Or, does it really matter who roams the halls inside the Beltway, especially where the maritime equation is concerned? Changing the law:At least two pieces of legislation in the form of the Short Sea Shipping Act of 2011 (HR 1533) and the Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping Enhancement Act of 2011 (S.1964) have been introduced to address the inequities of HMT as it affects Americas Marine Highways. This edi- tions INSIGHTS focus therefore appropriately calls upon the Commonwealth of Virginias Secretary of Transportation and former Marad Administrator Sean Connaughton to weigh in on all things shortsea shipping.? Out of the nation- al spotlight (for now), he remains as Americas most ardent shortsea shipping advocate. Along the way, he has gotten a few things done. Find out how on page 16. Also in this edition, we examine all things dredging.? Susan Buchanans in-depth SITREP on the domestic situation is therefore a must-read, while our BY THE NUMBERS look at global dredging just might surprise you for any num- ber of reasons. As the new super TEU Panamax container ships inch ever closer to U.S. ports, there is arguably no issue where the stakes are higher for U.S. ports and their customers. Changing course:As perhaps Rhode Islands best kept secret, Senesco Marine Shipyard steps out into the wider com- mercial market. Boat operators are only just beginnin g to discover what Craig Reinauer already knows: this mid-tier yard is fully capable of producing high quality tonnage, in series, on time and at a fair price. As we go to press, McAllister Towing had announced their latest plans build a Jensen Maritime designed 5,150 hp twin ASD tractor tug; one of a growing list of commercial customers who will entrust their build and repair needs to this North Kingstown- based shipyard. It is an exciting story; one with the potential to impact the domestic shipyard and workboat operator markets in equal parts. In terms of the broader workboat sector itself, perhaps no change is more pronounced than the move towards dynam- ic positioning (DP) for virtually any boat being produced or considered for todays increasingly sophisticated markets. Ten years ago, only one in two boats was churned out with DP capabilities. That percentage has changed dramatical- ly. Our coverage of two prominent industry players in this $300 million equipment market is, then, especially timely. Change:Summing it all up ? change appears to be todays only constant on the waterfront. Its an exciting time for the maritime industry and MarineNews continues to put you out in front of the important stories. Thats one thing that wont change. SUBSCRIBESubscribe to the print or electronic edition of MarineNews at www.marinelink.com/renewsubscr/Renew04/subscribe.html or e-mail Kathleen Hickey at [email protected] DAILY NEWS via E-MAIL Twice every business day we provide breaking news, tailored to your specification, delivered FREE directly to your e-mail. To s ubscribe visit http://maritimetoday.com/login.aspx POST & SEARCH?JOBSJob listings are updated daily and help match employers with qualified employees. Post a position or keep abreast of new employ ment opportunities at http://www.maritimejobs.com ADVERTISEMN offers a number of print and electronic advertising packages. To see our editorial calendar and advertising rates, visit www.marinelink.com/AdvRates/Rates.asp Joseph Keefe, Editor, [email protected] Online Resources 6MNJune 2012EDITORS NOTEkeefe@ marinelink.com