Page 85: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (October 1998)

U,S, MARITIME REPORT

IVIr. Danjc/ek Goes To Washington?

While it surely did not evoke the raw emotions delivered by Jimmy Stewart in one of his classic roles, the recent testimony before a

Senate committee to debatre the alteration of the Jones Act has stirred controversy and heated debate among industry insiders. (P.S. "Mr. Danjczek" is Thomas A. Danjczek (pictured on page 93), president of the Steel Manufacturers Association).

The 78-year-old Jones Act's staunch supporters and mortal enemies are at it again, as a veri- table brouhaha has erupted over whether to change or main- tain the controversial poli- cy, a fight which has landed in the laps of the

Committee on Commerce,

Science and

Transportation.

Specifically, The

Freedom to Transport Act,

S.2390, was introduced by

Senators Sam Brownback and Jesse Helms to reform the Jones Act, rescinding the U.S.-build requirement for shipments of forest products and bulk cargoes.

Section 27 of the Merchant

Marine Act of 1920 (The

Jones Act) requires that all goods shipped from one

U.S. deepwater port to another be carried on ves- sels built in the U.S., regis- tered in the U.S., staffed by

U.S. crews and owned by

U.S. citizens.

In short, proponents of the Jones Act suggest that the elimination of the U.S.- build provision will, among other things, destroy the

U.S. shipbuilding base, threaten national security, and endanger the environ- ment. Proponents for change claim the act is not only antiquated in today's world economy, but that it helps subsidize a small seg- ment of U.S. industry while simultaneously constricting economically viable trans- portation venues.

The latest push to alter the Jones Act centers on the availability of deepdraft vessels primarily on the

East Coast. The situation apparently started with complaints from North

Carolina pork and poultry producers, who claim there was no viable water trans- portation means for them to receive shipments of U.S. corn to augment local stocks, except by purchas- ing Canadian grown prod- uct.

William B. Saunders of

October, 1998 the Murphy Family Farms and director of Ingredient Procurement and Grain Operations claimed in his testimony that "after five years of diligent effort, the only reason- ably competitive cargo that we have been able to procure via water has been foreign cargoes the port foreign ves-on delivered to

Wilmington, NC sels."

In his testimony, Thomas A.

Allegretti, president of The

American Waterways Operators (AWO) said: "After learning about (Continued on page 93)

The first two can save your life. The third can save you money.

No one makes installing shipboard piping easier than Victaulic? There's no welding so assembly is quicker and fire hazards are eliminated. It's lightweight for easy handling. And on-site fabrication saves you time and money. All of which adds up to reduced installation costs and big savings over traditional piping methods. The Victaulic system. Proof that a coupling can save you as well as a life jacket. Contact Victaulic for more information.

ClassNK

Victaulic is a registered trademark of Victaulic Company of America. © 1998 Victaulic Company of America. All rights reserved. iCtauliC

An ifi|i> 9001 certified company 610-559-3300 Fax: 610-250-8817 www. victaulic. com e-mail: [email protected]

Circle 347 on Reader Service Card

Since the turn of the century, Welin Lambie has remained synonymous with innovative davit systems for the ever changing, marine, offshore and military markets.

The demands from individual customers has seer the development of sophisticated davit systems wi low weight, electronic constant tension, EMC compatibility and, where applicable, shock tested to military standards.

Whether the requirement is for conventional da or purpose built systems, Welin Lambie will rem at the forefront of davit technology.

Welin Lambie N.A. Inc. 18 Ridgecrest Dnve, Bridgewater,

Nova Scotia, Canada B4V3V8

Telephone: (902) 543 4337 Telefax: (902) 543 9787

Email: [email protected]

Internet: http://www.welin-lambie.co.uk &Rii^2iiiaMiiS£ •

Circle 204 on Reader Service Card