Commissioners Bentzel & Maffei Travel to Houston, Texas

Last month, Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel and Daniel B. Maffei traveled to Houston, Texas to present at the National Association of Waterfront Employers Annual Meeting and meet with industry stakeholders. As a result of this trip, the Commissioners gained a greater understanding of the ongoing issues in the Houston area.

The Commissioners met with the United States Coast Guard Captain of the Port, Captain Kevin Oditt to discuss the operating conditions in Galveston Bay, including the new regulations for ships greater than 1,100 feet in length recently passed by the Texas legislature. Captain Oditt also demonstrated the Vessel Traffic System used by the Coast Guard in Houston. Commissioners Bentzel and Maffei also met with representatives from the International Longshoreman’s Association and the West Gulf Maritime Association, and Port Houston.

As a part of their trip, the Commissioners also participated in the National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE) Strategy Session. They delivered a joint keynote address at the luncheon where Commissioner Bentzel encouraged members of NAWE to maintain open communications with all Commissioners at the Federal Maritime Commission. Commissioner Maffei discussed the important role of marine terminal operation and stevedoring industries in the nation’s transportation system and encouraged NAWE’s members to build a stronger relationship with the Federal Maritime Commission.