An Evaluation of Maritime Policy in Meeting the Commercial and Security Needs of the United States” prepared by IHS Global Insight

The U.S. Maritime Administration is "only supportive of domestics maritime trades", according to a study prepared by IHS Global Insight. An excerpt of the Executive Summary of the key findings identified in the study states:

The findings of this report lead to the overall conclusion that the current body of policies is only supportive of domestic maritime trades. Policy is not supportive of U.S. participation in international trades. The U.S.-flag oceangoing fleet has been in decline relative to the fleets of other maritime nations. Building ships in the U.S. and operating U.S.-flag ships is more
costly than building or operating ships in other nations. However, the report also finds that possible reforms can lend more support to the U.S. maritime industry. Furthermore, the report finds that there is a greater disconnect between U.S. maritime policy and the current state of the global maritime transportation system and foreign trade. Maritime policy is constrained by legislative authority and remains narrowly focused on vessels.

However, vessels and the ports they call on are only one portion of the global transportation and supply network that delivers goods to U.S. consumers and businesses and serves the needs of the nation's exporters. The maritime transportation system also consists of the multimodal networks that link to ports and inland waterways. Changes at ports, shipping patterns
and vessels affect the types and volumes of goods transported on U.S. highways and railways. Waterborne transport can be either a solution or a contributor to congestion on the nation's roads. Policy makers have a large role in determining which one it will be. The emergence of short-sea shipping and better multi-modal coordination in port development
can alleviate congestion and environmental degradation. Such action will be even more crucial as trade volumes are forecast to increase. Transportation policy must recognize that the operating fleets are inextricably connected to a widespread network of ports and inland transportation links including railroads and highways."

To download a copy of the study,view the full report at: http://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/Final_Reoprt_-_MARAD_Policy_Study_(2).pdf