The U.S. Great Lakes Shipping
Association represents vessel agents in U.S. Great Lakes
Ports. We advocate for the safe, reliable and
efficient navigation of commercial vessels through the St.
Lawrence Seaway Great Lakes System.
Please check this page for policy
papers and press releases regarding Great Lakes maritime
issues.
Thank you.
USGLSA
Objectives
USGLSA Membership adopted a
statement of areas where Association activities will be
focused as follows:
1)
Water discharge and air emissions legislation and
regulatory developments.
2)
Economic development of port and harbor facilities
including dredging and disposal.
3)
Advocacy with regard navigation, pilotage, cargo,
inspections and to other issues which may affect our vessel
operator customers in providing an economic, safe and
efficient service in the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway
System.
Position as to control and/or
elimination of Aquatic Invasive Species (“AIS”) in the Great
Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway.
The Association will be available to
advise and help guide vessel operator customers in complying
with all applicable laws and regulations.
The Association is of the belief that
existing rules and procedures currently being applied by the
joint US/Canadian authorities through mandatory flushing and
ballast water exchange, coupled with testing for salinity
prior to entry into the System is effectively preventing the
future introduction of AIS in ballast tanks by vessels
arriving from other global locations.
As such, the concentration of
regulatory activity should be directed toward reasonable
strategies which will provide for the control of the spread
of AIS already within the Lakes and from other vectors.
Such policy should include all vessels and types of users of
the Lakes, not just non-US flag commercial vessels, but all
commercial vessels regardless of size or flag and to include
recreational boaters, the fishing industry and other
activities which may affect the Lakes water quality.
Any established standards should be
coordinated to existing technology which is also reasonable
as to cost and installation. To the extent such technology
is not available within those parameters, Best Management
Practices, which are established standards, should be
observed.
Finally, to the extent there is
regulation of AIS matters, this should be addressed
exclusively on the Federal level so that a single standard
and compliance procedure apply throughout the Lakes.
USGLSA ASSISTS IN FOUNDING OF GREEN MARINE
The United States Great Lakes Shipping
Association participated in the formation of Green Marine
and continues to actively participate in the promotion of
the organization’s policies and programs.
Green Marine’s main goals are, through
measurable means, to:
·
Strengthen Environmental Performance through a
process of continuous improvement
·
Build strong relations with Great Lakes –St.
Lawrence Waterway stakeholders
·
Heighten understanding of the industry’s
activities and environmental benefits
Green Marine’s organization has been
spearheaded by an alliance of U.S. and Canadian Marine
Associations:
American Great Lakes Ports Association
Canadian Shipowners Association
Chamber of Marine Commerce
Ontario Marine Transportation Forum
Shipping Federation of Canada
St. Lawrence Economic Development
Council (SODES)
St. Lawrence Shipowners
United States Great Lakes Shipping
Association
Representatives of these organizations
serve on the Board of the Corporation which manages the
business affairs of the enterprise. Mr. Ray Johnston
of Chamber of Maritime Commerce serves as Chairman and Mr.
Stuart Theis of USGLSA serves as Vice Chair.
A Steering Committee consisting of the
CEOs of shipping companies and Port Authorities set policy.
The Committee is Co Chaired by Gerry Carter of Canada
Steamship Lines, Terry Johnson of the United States St.
Lawrence Seaway Development Corp., and Laurence Pathy of
Fednav Limited.
Membership is available in several
membership categories to shipping companies, ports,
terminals, stevedoring companies, shipyards, agents,
shippers, environmental organizations, government agencies
and communities.
Specific Issues concerning Green Marine
activities consist of
·
Aquatic Invasive Species
·
Pollutant Air Emissions (SOx and NOx)
·
Greenhouse gasses
·
Cargo Residue
·
Oily Waters
·
Conflicts of use in Ports and terminals
(noise, odors, dust, lights)
Learn more about Green Marine at
info@Green-Marine.org
Tel. 418/649-6004