An evaluation of maritime policy in meeting the commercial and security needs of the United States

United States. Maritime Administration

This report evaluates the adequacy of current maritime policy in meeting the commercial, economic, security and environmental needs of the United States in the next three decades. The report assesses ability of the maritime transportation system and maritime policy to cope with increasing trade volumes. The evaluation is conducted in the context of a long-term forecast of the foreign trade of the United States through the year 2038. The forecast and the participation of the United States in global trade are presented in sections I-III. Section IV describes current federal role, and especially the role of the Maritime Administration, in the areas of port development, shipbuilding, national security, taxation, labor and safety laws, the environment, vessel operations, maritime education, technological improvements and the Marine Highway Initiative. Where appropriate, the policies are...