AWO Welcomes Four New Members. Please join AWO in welcoming four new members:

• Next Generation Logistics, LLC - Next Generation Logistics is a maritime transportation, construction, logistics and project management company providing services on both land and sea. They operate and own inland vessels and are a self-performing dredging operation. NGL also provides horizontal construction such as asphalt and paving.
• AST Reygar - AST Reygar delivers high-performance monitoring and control solutions that help operators of crewed and uncrewed vessels optimize fleet performance, reduce downtime, and improve safety across demanding marine environments.
• Overboard Prevention Training, LLC - Overboard Prevention Training, LLC provides the mariner industry with customized fall prevention and rigging solutions through site assessment, equipping, instructing, and training with world class educators.
• SPOC Grid Inverter - SPOC Grid Inverter Technologies specializes in marine electric propulsion and power conversion solutions, optimizing efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Their expertise includes hybrid and electric propulsion, energy storage integration, shore power, and microgrid solutions.

USTR Announces Final Section 301 Actions. After considering public input on its proposed actions, on April 17 the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued its final actions aimed at reversing Chinese maritime dominance and restoring American shipbuilding. In the first phase:

• After 180 days, per voyage (not per port call) fees will begin for 1) Chinese vessel owners and operators and 2) operators of Chinese-built ships. Fees will incrementally increase each year over the next three years based on net tonnage or containers carried.
• Fees on all foreign-built car carriers will begin after 180 days at a rate of $150 per car equivalent unit.

In the second phase, beginning after 3 years, limited restrictions on exporting LNG via foreign vessels will begin and increase incrementally over 22 years. USTR also clarified that the phase 1 fees will be imposed on a given ship no more than five times per year. Fees on Chinese-built vessels also do not apply to bulk commodity exports on vessels that arrive in the U.S. empty. Additionally, if a foreign vessel operator demonstrates proof of ordering a U.S.-built vessel, the fees or restrictions on an equivalent non-U.S.-built vessel will be suspended for up to three years.

We will discuss the new fee structure and its implications for AWO members involved in domestic transportation at the upcoming Spring Convention. To share your feedback before then, please contact Patrick Parsons.

AWO Issues Statement on Executive Order on Restoring America's Maritime Dominance. On April 9, President Trump issued an Executive Order on Restoring America's Maritime Dominance, which directs his administration to undertake a series of actions to "revitalize and rebuild" America's domestic maritime industry to promote national security and economic prosperity.

Key provisions of the Executive Order call on the administration to, among other measures:

• Assess options for investing in and expanding the Maritime Industrial Base to ensure its security and resilience;
• Coordinate across agencies to support actions undertaken by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative regarding China's Unfair Targeting of Maritime, Logistics and Shipbuilding Sectors;
• Inventory federal programs that could be used to sustain and grow the supply of and demand for the U.S. maritime industry;
• Make recommendations to address workforce challenges in the maritime sector through maritime educational institutions and workforce transitions; and
• Identify opportunities for deregulation in the domestic commercial maritime fleet, to reduce unnecessary costs and clear barriers to emerging technology.

In response to the Executive Order, AWO issued the following statement by President & CEO Jennifer Carpenter: "The American Waterways Operators commends President Trump for issuing his Executive Order on Restoring America's Maritime Dominance, and for recognizing the critical importance of a robust American maritime industrial base and maritime workforce to our nation's security and prosperity. As the largest segment of U.S. maritime, the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry stands ready to work with the Trump Administration to further grow and strengthen domestic waterways commerce, address China's maritime expansionism, and identify opportunities to remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to innovation."

Modernization Partnership Announced Between Corps and USMMA. The Department of Transportation has entered into a 10-year agreement between the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to revitalize and modernize the USMMA campus at Kings Point, New York. The agreement follows the Restoring America's Maritime Dominance Executive Order, which calls for expanding mariner training and modernizing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Site Shut Down. On April 12, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it had permanently decommissioned the Homeport website and that all functions once performed through Homeport have been relocated to alternate online platforms. The Coast Guard maintains that the Homeport system had become increasing costly to maintain and that many Homeport systems had become obsolete, and as a result, it is "no longer a viable tool for managing the many functions required to ensure the smooth and safe flow of vessel traffic."

More information on where these services will be housed can be found here and on the Coast Guard's new Homeport Solutions & News site. An FAQ about the transition can be found here. Please contact Liam Morcroft to share any concerns about the continuation of Homeport services.

NMC Updates Guidance Following Homeport Termination. Following the abrupt announcement from the Coast Guard that the Homeport public access portal has been taken offline permanently, the National Maritime Center (NMC) published updated guidance for checking the status of merchant mariner applications, credential verification, and mariner training. According to the National Maritime Center Web-based Tools No Longer Available announcement:

• To check on the status of an application for a merchant mariner credential or medical certificate, contact the National Maritime Center (NMC) at 1-888-427-5662, IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or via Live Chat.  
• To verify a mariner's credential, you must email IASKNMC@uscg.mil.
• Course curricula and course certificate modification requests should be sent to NMCCourses@uscg.mil.

AWO Plans Mariner Credentialing Regulatory Reform Virtual Meeting. The AWO Mariner Credentialing Working Group will meet virtually on April 24 from 2-3 PM (Eastern) to discuss member ideas for deregulatory actions the Coast Guard can take to improve mariner credentialing. The President's Executive Order on Restoring America's Maritime Dominance requires agencies to deliver a report that identifies "any requirements for credentialing mariners that are unnecessary, insufficient, or unduly burdensome and provide recommendations for reform." This is a key opportunity to safely improve efficiency and remove barriers to mariner credentialing that AWO intends to leverage based on member feedback. If you or a member of your company would like to join the discussion and share your ideas for reform, contact Patrick Parsons.

AWO Comments on WRDA 2024 Implementation. AWO recently submitted comments on the implementation of the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024, stressing the importance of safety in potential remote lock operations. AWO also thanked the Corps for implementing the Inland Waterways Regional Dredge Pilot Program and emphasized that reducing channel closures during dredging will ensure mariner safety and economic stability. Additionally, AWO highlighted the Corps' critical role in maintaining supply chain reliability, and opposed counterproductive funding cuts and staffing reductions that could delay infrastructure projects. To learn more about WRDA 2024 and see updates on any implementation guidance, click here.

Coast Guard Issues Finding of Concern on Overheated Tier 4 Engine Module. The Coast Guard recently released a finding of concern in response to a towing vessel in Long Beach, CA, sustaining an overheated diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) dosing module on its main engine, resulting in forced engine shutdown.

The Coast Guard issues findings of concern to disseminate information concerning unsafe conditions identified as causal factors in casualties that could prompt future similar incidents. The incident referenced was caused by reduced DEF flow, marking the vessel's sixth module replacement in nine months due to recurring overheating issues. DEF dosing modules are required on Tier 4 engines and work by injecting DEF into a vessel's exhaust system to reduce NOx emissions.

The Coast Guard identified voluntary measures operators can take to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents, including adequate training, and DEF hose installation and dosing module calibration guidance.

For more information, please contact Lillie Wightman.

Construction of New Corps Hopper Dredge Gets Underway. Eastern Shipbuilding Group recently began construction on a new medium class hopper dredge for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This is the first deep draft hopper dredge commissioned by the Corps in over 40 years and will replace the dredge McFarland in the Corps' Ready Reserve fleet. It will feature advanced automation to increase dredging efficiency at lower costs.

AWO Authors OpEd on Modernizing Mariner Credentialing. Patrick Parsons, AWO Counsel and Director - Government Affairs, recently authored an opEd for MarineLink highlighting the importance of mariner credentialing modernization to help address maritime workforce challenges.

Parsons notes: "While Congress and the U.S. Coast Guard have recognized the need to modernize mariner credentialing and have taken some initial steps to begin that process, the Trump Administration can deliver the double-win of improving government efficiency and strengthening economic, national, and homeland security by making it a priority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to rapidly develop and implement the new NAVITA web-based mariner credentialing portal."

AWO PAC and Inside Elections. AWO PAC has partnered with Inside Elections for another special edition, featuring 2026 Senate election analysis.

AWO PAC is the connected political action committee for The American Waterways Operators and serves as the trade association's separate segregated fund. As a trade association, AWO is prohibited from using general treasury funds or membership dues to make federal contributions. AWO is one of the most effective advocacy associations in Washington, DC, and relies on voluntary personal contributions to fund AWO PAC.

AWO PAC supports federal candidates who are champions of the U.S. tugboat, towboat and barge industry and who are leaders on issues important to our industry. AWO PAC is dedicated to protecting AWO members' investments in the safest, most environmentally responsible and most economical mode of freight transportation and safeguarding the integrity of the Jones Act to protect the bottom lines of our members.

AWO PAC may solicit contributions from individuals of a member company once the member representative gives AWO written prior approval.

First Coast Guard District to Discontinue Some Coastal AToNs. The U.S. Coast Guard's First District has announced the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative, which aims to support mariners by delivering effective, economical services, managing vessel transit risk affordably, maintaining key buoys long-term, and ensuring resilience against aids to navigation (AToN) discrepancies and electronic chart system failures. As part of this effort, the District is proposing to remove certain coastal AToNs throughout its area of responsibility. Buoys selected for proposed disestablishment can be seen on the map here.

AWO will be working with Atlantic Region members to provide feedback on this initiative. Comments are due June 13. Please contact Liam Morcroft if you are interested in engaging on this issue. 

McAllister Towing Authors Pro-Jones Act OpEd in Connecticut. Jaime Santiago, Vice President and General Manager of McAllister Towing in Puerto Rico, recently authored an opEd for the Connecticut Mirror discussing the importance of the Jones Act to both Connecticut and Puerto Rico. The opEd was published as the Connecticut General Assembly considers a resolution calling on Congress to exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act.

Santiago observes: "Connecticut is right to pursue stronger trade with Puerto Rico--but dismantling the Jones Act is not the way to do it. It won't reduce prices. It will offshore jobs, destabilize local supply chains, and leave U.S. commerce exposed to foreign volatility."

AWO Featured in WorkBoat Story on Commercial Harbor Craft Rule. AWO Director of State Advocacy Kyle Burleson recently provided comments on California's Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) rule for WorkBoat's latest article on the regulations. Kyle spoke extensively about the safety, supply chain, and economic challenges the CHC rule poses for vessel operators. He also discussed the next steps in AWO's efforts to provide relief for members, and the challenges of working with CARB leadership to craft practical regulations.  The article can be viewed here (subscription required).

AWO Opposes Washington Tax Measures. AWO and a coalition of maritime, rail, and trucking interests are opposing the Washington state legislature's proposed tax on interstate cargo and its proposal to remove a tax preference for stevedoring services. As a result of AWO's advocacy, the latest news from Olympia is that the legislature will not be advancing these measures. AWO will continue to monitor the budget process for any changes as the legislature aims to conclude its legislative session by April 27.

Coast Guard Requests West Coast Mariners for MACORR Project. The Coast Guard is requesting qualified mariners (licensed commercial mariners who have actively worked in the last three years) to participate in piloting simulations as part of its Managing ATON Configurations for Optimal Reliability and Resilience (MACCOR) project. These simulations will enable the Coast Guard to ascertain waterway specific, risk-based aids-to-navigation design that will complement GPS navigation and use of electronic charts. Additionally, this project aims to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow during GNSS disruptions or ECS failure. Modest compensation will be provided to participants, and those interested can fill out this form to determine eligibility. Please contact Gordon Garret or Michael Breslin with any questions.

AWO Attends Sector Houston-Galveston Change of Command. AWO Southern Region Vice President Jill Bessetti attended the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston Change of Command along with many AWO members on April 17, welcoming Captain Nicole Rodriguez as the new Sector Commander.  The ceremony also celebrated outgoing Sector Commander Captain Keith Donohue's retirement from the Coast Guard after 28 years of service. 

AWO Holds Sector Luncheon in Memphis. On April 15, AWO members from American Commercial Barge Line, Yazoo River Towing, James Transportation, Ingram Barge Company, Southern Devall, Marquette Transportation Company, and Wepfer Marine engaged in a luncheon discussion with Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River. Topics discussed during the luncheon included Homeport decommissioning, high-water coordination, and Subchapter M. 

AWO Submits Letter of Support for Inland Waterways Maritime Academy. AWO recently submitted a letter of support for a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to supply the Inland Waterways Maritime Academy in Sardis, Ohio with the funds to finish its full mission training simulator for students and exhibits for the public. Once completed, the Inland Waterways Maritime Academy will help to train qualified mariners for our industry and support economic growth in the Ohio River Basin.

AWO Spring Convention Registration is Open! Register today to secure your spot at AWO's can't-miss event. This year's convention will feature keynote sessions from government officials, networking events, and our annual Barge-In advocacy day on Capitol Hill.

Login to the AWO Member Dashboard to register and contact AWO Meetings if you need assistance.

AWO Hiring Legislative Affairs Manager. AWO is looking for an experienced professional to join our legislative affairs team. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience managing a portfolio of public policy issues on Capitol Hill (preferably in the Senate), have good relationships with Congressional staff on both sides of the aisle, and be familiar with the committee process. Read the full job description and how to apply here. 

AWO Newsletters Available in the AWO Mobile App. Did you miss an AWO Letter or Navigating to Zero safety newsletter? Emailed newsletters are posted exclusively on the news feed of the AWO mobile app. Download today on iPhone or Android, and don't miss the latest industry news!