MARINE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (MTSNAC)

 

SHIPBUILDING TEAM TELECONFERENCE MEETING SUMMARY

 

April 9, 2003

 

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C.

2:00 PM

 

 

ATTENDEES

 

John Gaughan, Chairman                      First American Bulk Carrier/American Maritime Congress

Bruce Croushore                                  Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Company

Ande Abbott                                                     International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron

Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers,

AFL-CIO

Carol Lambos                                      Lambos & Junge

Chuck Raymond                                   Horizon Lines, LLC

Allen Walker                                        Shipbuiders Council of America

Chel Stromgren                                    SAIC

John Graykowski                                  Kvaerna Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc.

James Cook                                         Black & Veatch Corporation

Jean McKeever                                    Maritime Administration

Keith Lesnick                                       Maritime Administration

Sharon Cassidy                                    Maritime Administration

 

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 by the Chair, John Gaughan of First American Bulk Carrier/American Maritime Congress.  The meeting was conducted by teleconference call. Mr. Gaughan welcomed all participants to the new Shipbuilding Team of the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council.  Introductions were made by each participant of the teleconference.

 

Name Change

The first item of the agenda was consideration of a name change for the team from Shipbuilding to Shipyard Team.  Mr. Croushore indicated that the topic was discussed at the organizational meeting and that the name of the team should reflect inclusion of shipbuilding and conversion.  Motion was made and seconded. Unanimous vote of approval by members.  Motion carried.

 

Team Membership – Expansion

Mr. Gaughan stated that he would like to welcome membership from all interested sectors of the related industry.  Ms. Lambos suggested that the team should have an educational presentation for the next national meeting.  There was much agreement throughout the meeting for the need to educate.  There was discussion on the challenge to attract members.  Mr. Gaughan stated that a first step would be that anyone with mailing lists that they are willing share with the Team would be a start.  Mailing lists should be sent to Keith.Lesnick@marad.dot.gov.

 

Mr. Cook stated that in order to attract perspective members the Team needs to develop mission and vision statements.  Mr. Croushore offered to draft the mission and vision statements for circulation.

 

Background on the MTS National Advisory Council Meeting

Mr. Raymond added that this is the third anniversary of the Marine Transportation System.  There have been 6-7 MTS meetings and a lot of work has been accomplished on the committees.  One of the pressing issues is Title XI.  The program has worked in the past and there is a need to get out the message that it is important.  It is disconcerting that budget for Title XI was zeroed out.   Need to show that it is a benefit to the industry and the country.  It was pointed out that there is a learning curve and there is a need to educate the audience.  Mr. Cook stated that Title XI should not be restricted to SEA-21 legislation.  Mr. Raymond agrees and that before the next national meeting there is a need to get an announcement of important issues in order to get support at the next meeting.

 

 Mr. Gaughan stated that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had just issued a new study on Trade and Transportation.  Mr. Graykowski suggested that someone needs to visit Mr. Donohue.

 

As to future meetings, Mr. Lesnick stated that a September meeting is being considered and possibly a reception for Congress in October.

 

New Shipbuilding Technologies

Mr. Graykowski expressed concern about springing ideas.  There is a need to educate others.  Mr. Graykowski pointed out that there has not been a MARAD budget item for R& D since the early 90’s.  There is a need to do some research into new technology. 

 

Mr. Raymond suggested a primer for the NAC meeting that will provide a thumbnail of important issues in order to gain endorsements.

 

Ms. Lambos suggested a 2 tier approach: wetting the waters and education.  There is learning curve and the NAC will not vote on issues they don’t understand.

 

Mr. Raymond asked the team whether it would be good to leave Title XI issue alone for one year.  Mr. Gaughan stated that team should not wait.  It would seem as if no one cares.  Mr. Graykowski said that without risk ships would not be built.  Mr. Cook commented that there is need for ships to serve world markets.

 

Mr. Abbott commented that without Title XI funds shipyards are laying off workers and trying to bring them back later.  There is a lot of training necessary for the shipbuilding workforce.  Without steady employment the shipyards may not be able to entice workers to return to the shipbuilding workforce when needed.  It was suggested that MARAD provide a macro view of Title XI.

 

Taskings

·        Draft mission and vision statements – Mr. Croushore

·        Slide on Title XI, CCF and depreciation – Mr. Graykowski

·        Flow control of documents – Mr. Lesnick  (Keith.Lesnick@marad.dot.gov)

·        Macro view of Title XI – MARAD

·        Team to look at sources for potential members

·        Resolution for name change of team – Mr. Lesnick

·        Resolution to SEA-21 – Ms. Lambos start work on it

 

Meeting adjouned at 3:16 p.m.