American Waterways, Global Volatility: Making the Right Policy Choices

Today’s headlines bring constant news of international shipping hubs across the global supply chain experiencing major volatility and disruption – from Iran sending shockwaves through global energy markets by forcefully obstructing vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz; to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen signaling intent to restart attacks on shipping in the Red Sea; to China detaining Panama-flagged vessels in an escalation of ongoing disputes over the Panama Canal; and beyond.

By contrast, the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry continues to move our nation’s cargo on U.S. domestic waterways, safely, securely, and reliably. Even with the occasional curveball from Mother Nature causing delays in one part of the system or another, dedicated and resilient U.S. mariners continue to deliver without fail.

Domestic maritime’s ability to serve as a beacon of stability despite geopolitical upheaval is not solely attributable to skill, grit, and experience, as critical as those are – it’s also the product of public policies that enable the industry to keep moving, thriving and innovating. But those policies cannot be taken for granted – they represent choices made by policymakers to consciously shape an operational environment that reflects our industry’s fundamental importance to our nation’s economy, supply