AWO Letter - November 4, 2026

cmoore@americanwaterways.com 11/04/26
AWO Hosts Midterm Elections Results Webinar. Please plan to join us on Friday, November 6 at 2 p.m. EST as AWO's Craig Montesano and Joe Manion discuss the results of the 2026 midterm elections and impacts on AWO's Congressional advocacy in the 120th Congress.
 
 
 
AWO, AMP Lead Final Push for Jones Act Waiver Expiration. With the current Jones Act waiver set to expire November 15, AWO and the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) are making a final push with the White House, Congress, and the media to prevent another extension. The message is clear: the Trump Administration should allow the waiver to expire, rather than continue to undermine the U.S. domestic maritime industry and the President's own stated goal of restoring American maritime dominance.

On November 3, AMP sent a letter to President Trump urging him to end the waiver, emphasizing that it threatens to stymie the Administration's maritime dominance agenda. The letter noted that the waiver has not lowered prices for American consumers, has benefitted foreign adversaries and companies at America's expense, and has weakened investment in the American maritime industry.

On the media front, AWO President & CEO and AMP President Jennifer Carpenter recently returned as a guest on the widely broadcast Newell Normand Show on WWL AM 870 out of New Orleans, gave a feature interview with the American Journal of Transportation, and authored an opEd for MarineLink which will also appear in the November issue of Marine News. In each of these outlets, Jennifer highlighted growing Congressional scrutiny of the waiver, its lack of connection to a genuine national defense emergency, and its incompatibility with the Administration's stated commitment to restoring American maritime dominance and putting American workers first.

"We have seen over the last seven months that this waiver has not been used to meet military emergencies; it has not delivered on the promise of lower gas prices for consumers, lower diesel prices for anybody; it has not materially improved the flow of product around the U.S.," Jennifer told the American Journal of Transportation. "It is a solution in search of a problem...and we need to make sure this does not become the new normal."

The full Newell Normand Show interview is available here, beginning at the 21:50 mark; Jennifer's full American Journal of Transportation interview is available here; and her MarineLink opEd is available here.

 

MARAD Updates U.S.-Flag ATB Fleet Inventory, Members Encouraged to Review Data. For the first time since its 2017 fleet inventory, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) published an updated U.S.-Flag Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) Fleet Inventory - 2026. AWO and AMP have long urged MARAD to complete this update so government agencies and the public have a clearer picture of the size, capabilities, and cargo capacities the ATB fleet adds to the domestic maritime industry. If your company operates ATBs, please review the information MARAD has compiled and report any corrections to Patrick Parsons. 

 

AWO Urges Coast Guard to Ensure Updated SIP Preserves Successful TBSIP Program. On October 29, AWO submitted comments on the Coast Guard's draft NVIC 02-99, Change 1, which would update guidance on the Streamlined Inspection Program (SIP) and replace the Joint Eighth and Ninth (Now Heartland and Great Lakes) Districts Tank Barge Streamlined Inspection Program (TBSIP), in which many AWO members are enrolled. Our comments focused on ensuring the SIP updates do not disrupt TBSIP administration or implementation. This includes making clear that companies can use different inspection options for different vessels in their fleet (for example, the SIP for their tank barges and the TSMS option for their towing vessels); providing plenty of time for TBSIP enrollees to transition to the SIP; ensuring that TBSIP enrollees can maintain their current Homeport OCMIs and Coast Guard advisors; and maintaining TBSIP allowances for temporary hull repair criteria. We also encouraged the Coast Guard to provide TSMS option users with the same flexibility to manage temporary hull repairs offered under the SIP. In addition, AWO made more specific recommendations to clarify Coast Guard oversight of the SIP and certain SIP requirements. We thank all the members whose feedback helped ensure our comments were substantive and comprehensive. Please reach out to Liam Morcroft or Caitlyn Stewart with any questions about the comments. 

 

AWO Supports Preservation of Physical AtoNs and Responsible Development of Digital AtoNs. The Coast Guard recently requested AWO's input on its ongoing study on the extent to which maritime users rely on physical Aids to Navigation (AToNs), mandated by Congress as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026. While the request focused on the Missouri River and the Coast Guard's Northeast and Northwest Districts, our response addressed these waterways as well as the broader marine transportation system. Our feedback emphasized the importance of preserving physical AtoNs as essential navigation safety infrastructure, even as technology advances and electronic navigation systems proliferate. Read AWO's full response here, and please contact Liam Morcroft with any questions.

 

AWO Supports Commercial Space Sector; Urges Early Identification of Maritime Conflicts. AWO recently submitted comments on the Federal Aviation Administration's Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for Blue Origin's proposed increase in New Glenn launches at Space Launch Complex 36A, from 12 to 50 per year. The proposed increase comes amid growing commercial space activity at Cape Canaveral. AWO expressed support for the growth of the U.S. commercial space sector, but recommended that the FAA use AIS data to better assess potential impacts on the maritime transportation system and AWO member operations, particularly given the increased launch activity and the FAA's acknowledgment of potential effects on maritime commerce. AWO also reiterated its support for the Coast Guard's role and its coordination with the commercial space industry to ensure launches and landings occur safely without disrupting navigation. Please contact Liam Morcroft with any questions.   

 

AWO Hosts Coast Guard Luncheon in Milwaukee. On October 19, AWO members met with Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee to discuss industry issues including waterways safety, Certificate of Documentation processing delays, and concerns regarding the proposed Bally's Casino dock project on the Chicago River. Members from Middle River Marine, Osage Marine Services, Ingram Barge Company, Marquette Transportation Company, Andrie, and Amrize participated. The luncheon provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and share perspectives on issues impacting Great Lakes and inland waterway operations. 

 

AWO Comments on Chicago Casino Dock Development Project. In comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, AWO raised concerns about potential negative impacts to navigation safety and efficiency on the Chicago River if the proposed Bally's Casino dock development project moves forward. AWO noted that the proposed docks, increased recreational vessel activity, and planned floating garden could further constrain an already narrow navigation corridor used by commercial vessels. AWO urged the Corps to require a comprehensive Navigation Safety Risk Assessment, conducted in consultation with industry and the U.S. Coast Guard, before approving the project. 

 

AWO Attends Bureau of Governmental Research Annual Luncheon in New Orleans. The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization dedicated to improving local government in the Greater New Orleans area. The organization has helped shape some of the biggest decisions in the New Orleans area surrounding budget, the future of the Sewage and Water Board, and protection of the city reserves. With many AWO members located or operating in the New Orleans area, organizations like BGR bring together local leaders, businesses, and residents to discuss key issues shaping the city. AWO's Southern Region Vice President Jill Bessetti attended the annual luncheon along with Mary McCarthy of Moran Towing Corporation and BGR Board member and former AWO Chairman of the Board Merritt Lane of Canal Barge Company.

 

Summary of NTZ - October 2026. In the latest edition of AWO's Navigating to Zero Safety and Sustainability Newsletter, we examined the Coast Guard's Board of Inquiry findings on port infrastructure and waterways risks, including tug escort capacity, bridge protection, and emergency response. We reported on the STAX emissions capture barge collapse in California, the Washington Department of Ecology's updated bunkering guidance, and upcoming STCW training requirements. We highlighted new OCIMF guidance, early findings from AWO's AI survey, and emerging floating nuclear power barge technology. We also summarized recent Coast Guard investigation reports, Findings of Concern, safety alerts, and NTSB investigations. In addition, we celebrated newly nominated American Waterways HEROs, interviewed Todd Ripley of SafeMTS about AI and maritime safety data, and shared AWO working group opportunities and practical safety resources from Signal Mutual. 

See these stories and more in the October NTZ and don't forget to send in your SSRP data, High Value Near Misses, and HERO Award nominations. Email Liam Morcroft to set up delivery or explore past editions on the AWO NTZ on your iPhone or Android mobile app.