NEWS RELEASE – The maritime industry is the lifeblood of United States trade, delivering goods throughout North America and around the world. National Maritime Day, Tuesday, May 22, 2018, recognizes the benefits the maritime industry provides in the U.S. and celebrates those who work on the water. Members of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway shipping industry are among those celebrating National Maritime Day.
The Chamber of Marine Commerce is honored to represent American and Canadian shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers who work to keep domestic and international trade afloat. Chamber President Bruce Burrows says, “National Maritime Day is an opportunity for all to take a moment to appreciate those who work in the marine industry, who protect our waters and deliver resources across the globe. The Chamber of Marine Commerce is proud to work with these organizations and individuals every day.”
Great Lakes-Seaway ships deliver 164 million metric tons of materials every year for North American businesses. This cargo supports 130,000 jobs in the United States and the successful operations of the country’s mining, steel, manufacturing, agricultural, energy and construction sectors. But the benefits go far beyond economic security and job creation. Marine transport alleviates congested roadways, lowers the risk of accidents and reduces the country’s carbon and air emissions. Shipping is the safest mode of transportation, for both the public and individuals working in the industry. Shipping is about seven times more fuel-efficient than trucks and trains, and has the smallest carbon footprint. (Source: Environmental and Social Impacts of Marine Transport in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway region, Research and Traffic Group.)
In North America, marine transportation on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway provides $3.6 billion in annual transportation cost savings, compared to the all-land transportation alternative. This enhances the global competitiveness of North American products and industries and keeps the cost of consumer goods down.
The Port of Duluth-Superioris among those with National Maritime Day observances. The Maritime Day celebration at the University of Minnesota Duluth features a service of remembrance conducted by the Twin Ports Ministry of Seafarers. The event keynote speaker is William P. Doyle, CEO and executive director of the Dredging Contractors of America.
To learn more about National Maritime Day, please visit https://www.marad.dot.gov/newsroom/event/2018/2018-national-maritime-day-2/. To learn more about the economic impact of Great Lakes-Seaway System shipping please see the attached infographic and visit, www.marinedelivers.com.
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About the Chamber of Marine Commerce
The Chamber of Marine Commerce is a bi-national association that represents more than 130 marine industry stakeholders including major Canadian and American shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers, as well as domestic and international ship owners. The Chamber advocates for safe, sustainable, harmonized and competitive policy and regulation that recognizes the marine transportation system’s significant advantages in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, Coastal and Arctic regions.
Media Contact:
Julia Fields
Chamber of Marine Commerce
(613) 294-8515
The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is a bi-national association that represents diverse marine industry stakeholders including major Canadian and American shippers, ports, terminals and marine service providers, as well as Canadian domestic and international ship owners. The Chamber advocates for safe, sustainable, harmonized and competitive policy and regulation that recognizes the marine transportation system's significant advantages in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, Coastal and Arctic regions.
Media Contact:
Jason Card
Chamber of Marine Commerce
jcard@cmc-ccm.com
(613) 447 5401