The American maritime industry fanned out across Capitol Hill last week, holding meetings with 124 Members of Congress and staff during the first ever Maritime Industry Congressional “Sail-In”. The objective of the event was to communicate the value of the industry to the U.S. economy and national defense.

Key messages expressed on the Hill included:

  • More than 1.6 million Americans are employed in the U.S. maritime industry keeping our economy strong and our nation secure.
  • Every day we use our seaports and waterways to move trillions of dollars worth of export, import and domestic cargo.
  • 85% of war material delivered to the conflict theaters of Afghanistan and Iraq has been delivered by U.S. mariners sailing U.S. flagged vessels.
  • 80% of our country’s humanitarian aid is delivered by the U.S. merchant marine, supporting more than 13,000 American jobs and assisting people in need worldwide.

David Matsuda, Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator, kicked off the event at a breakfast in the Rayburn House Office Building.  Mr. Matsuda then introduced Congressman James Oberstar, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for an inspiring keynote address that sent the 136 maritime industry participants to their day-long schedule of congressional meetings.

The Sail-In was widely supported by various segments of the American maritime industry, including international and domestic ocean carriers, terminal operators and labor unions. “We had folks from 20 states, 48 congressional districts, 28 companies, 9 unions and labor organizations, and 10 related associations,” reported VADM Albert J. Herberger, a former U.S. Maritime Administrator. “That’s a powerful message to Congress,” he added.

The Sail-In was organized by the U.S. Maritime Coalition, a volunteer committee of representatives from the U.S. maritime industry representing the U.S. merchant fleet, maritime labor unions and other maritime companies serving America.