2010-11_ANNUAL_REPORTS_-_FINAL_VERSION_(3)

the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station on Rough and Ready Island to the Stockton Port
District in Stockton, CA.
Energy Development: Deepwater Ports
Under the Deepwater Port Act (33 U.S.C § 1504), MARAD is responsible for processing applications
from private energy companies to own, construct, and operate deepwater ports off the Nation’s coasts.
During fiscal year 2010, MARAD evaluated five deepwater port license applications, participated in
public outreach hearings in support of the licensing process, and authorized the construction and
operation of two LNG deepwater port facilities in the offshore waters of Tampa, FL and Mobile, AL.
The Port Dolphin Energy Deepwater Port will be located 28 miles offshore from Tampa and will service
energy consumers in the central and western regions of Florida. The TORP Terminal’s Bienville
Offshore Terminal project, originally planned for construction and operation 62 miles offshore of
Mobile, AL, was subsequently terminated and the application withdrawn from MARAD’s licensing
process.
MARAD evaluated and processed one deepwater port license application during fiscal year 2011. This
proposal calls for the construction and operation of the Liberty Natural Gas deepwater port to be located
approximately 16 miles off the coast of Asbury Park, NJ, and 25 miles from Rockaway, NY.
The Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council
In fiscal year 2010, MARAD, in collaboration with DOT, re-established the Marine Transportation
System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC) to advise the Secretary of Transportation on MTS
issues, paying specific attention to the expansion and development of the Nation’s marine highway and
port system through its marine highway subcommittee and the Secretary’s Port Advisory Council.
The MTSNAC is designed to provide an industry stakeholder and academic prospective to departmental
policies that affect efficient and environmentally friendly waterborne freight and passenger movements.
The Secretary will rely on the council to provide him with guidance on developing a national freight
policy and integrating water into the overall transportation system. MTSNAC, under its latest charter,
held its inaugural meeting in October 2011.
Industry Advocacy and Outreach
National Export Initiative and International Outreach
In support of the President’s National Export Initiative, MARAD works on behalf of U.S. constituencies
to open foreign markets to American exports of goods and services. These advocacy efforts are
undertaken on an as-needed basis as well as through regular consultations with trading partners with the
greatest potential for expansion of U.S. maritime-related exports.
Vietnam
In fiscal year 2010, Maritime Administrator David Matsuda led bilateral consultations with Vietnam
under a market-opening agreement concluded in 2007. The U.S. delegation included representatives
from the Federal Maritime Commission, Department of State, the Trade and Development
Administration, and the private sector.
In those consultations, MARAD pursued several issues limiting the ability of U.S. shipping companies,
terminal operators, and traders to profit from new commercial opportunities in Vietnam. These include
licensing restrictions, customs clearance delays, and the need for modernized port and logistics
infrastructure.
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