Government Update News


Will MMS be Split in Two?

May 12, 2010

The first political backlash from the recent explosion and sinking of Deepwater Horizon appears to be the Department of Interior’s Minerals Management Service, as it movement is reportedly underway to split the agency that polices the offshore drilling industry…

Bill Could Authorize Vessel Loan Guarantees

Apr 22, 2010

Representative Wittman (R-VA) introduced the National Shipbuilding Budget Policy Act (H.R. 5035) to authorize appropriations for the construction of vessels for the Navy and to authorize appropriations for loan guarantees for commercial vessels…

Removal of Obsolete Ships from Suisun Bay

Apr 05, 2010

The federal government announced that it would remove the remaining 52 ships that are currently moored in the Suisun Bay as part of an agreement with environmental groups that was filed in federal court in Sacramento, Calif., the Department…

Secretary Salazar Offshore Strategy

Mar 31, 2010

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that, as part of a comprehensive strategy for strengthening the nation’s energy security and reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, the Obama Administration will expand oil and gas development and exploration on the U…

Comment on Revisions to Tonnage NVIC

Mar 28, 2010

The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on a possible revision to the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) 11-93 Applicability of Tonnage Measurement Systems to U.S. flagged vessels for the purpose of updating it and improving…

Thornhill Science Advisor, MMS Director

Mar 25, 2010

The Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service (MMS) announced the appointment of Alan Thornhill as Science Advisor to MMS Director Liz Birnbaum. In this capacity, Thornhill will assist Director Birnbaum in the review of scientific…

OMSA: New Offshore Oil & Gas Areas

Mar 05, 2010

OMSA released the following statement in reaction to the administration plan to unveil new offshore oil and gas areas:As the association representing the owners and operators of the offshore supply vessels that support offshore exploration…

Canada Proposed to Regulate Arctic Traffic Zone

Mar 05, 2010

Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird announced that as part of Canada’s Northern Strategy, the federal government is proposing a regulated Arctic traffic zone, requiring certain vessels to report information to authorities as they pass through Canada’s northern waters…

Hearing on FY11 budget: USCG, MARAD, FMC

Mar 01, 2010

The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure conducted a hearing on the FY 2011 Budget for the Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration, and the Federal Maritime Commission…

FMC Meeting, Tariff Rate Exemption

Feb 04, 2010

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that it will meet in open session in its offices on February 10 to consider, among other things, a petition from the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America for exemption from mandatory rate tariff publication…

President Requests $364.8M for MMS

Feb 02, 2010

With a budget designed to increase America’s energy security by expanding the nation’s energy portfolio and ensuring a fair return for these public resources, the President has proposed $364.8m in funding for the Minerals Management Service (MMS) in fiscal year 2011…

EPA Strengthens Haz Waste Shipment Regs

Dec 29, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is strengthening the regulations that govern the shipping of hazardous waste for recycling between the United States and other countries. The new measures are meant to increase the level of regulatory oversight…

Arctic Deep Water Sea Port Bill

Dec 15, 2009

Senator Murkowski (R-AK) introduced the Arctic Deep Water Sea Port Act of 2009 (S. 2849) to require a study and report on the feasibility and potential of establishing a deep water sea port in the Arctic to protect and advance strategic United…

Grant Guidance for $2.7B in FY 2010

Dec 09, 2009

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the release of fiscal year 2010 grant application guidance kits for 13 DHS grant programs totaling more than $2.7b—funds for state, local, tribal and territorial governments…

Matsuda Nominated MARAD Administrator

Dec 09, 2009

President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate David T. Matsuda, Administrator, Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. David T. Matsuda has been serving as Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator of the United States Maritime Administration since July 2009…

Current News

Stena Line and ABP Start Work on Immingham Terminal

Carney Changes Climate Requirements in Energy Deal with Alberta

Russian Oil Cargo Discharge at Indian Port Delayed Due to Insurance Scrutiny

The Expanding Shadow Fleet Poses a Growing Threat to Maritime Safety

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