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MARAD
20-03
Contact: Robyn Boerstling
Tel.: (202) 366-5807
Monday, July 21, 2003
U.S.,
Canadian Transportation Departments Sign Memorandum of Cooperation on Short Sea
Shipping
The
United States and Canada today announced an agreement to share Short Sea
Shipping information and experience. U.S.
Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy Jeffrey N. Shane and Transport
Canada Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Kristine Burr signed the agreement in
Washington, DC.
U.S.
Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta acknowledged the need for the
agreement and said, "Canada is America's largest trading partner and
freight traffic between our countries is expected to increase dramatically over
the next 20 years. New options for
reducing border freight congestion are critical, therefore, to both the Canadian
and U.S. economies."
Transport
Minister David Collenette stressed the importance of working together. "The
signing of this agreement demonstrates the close ties and excellent working
relationship between the two departments," he said.
"This is also a good example of Transport Canada's commitment to
working with foreign partners and stakeholders to enhance marine transportation
as a safe, efficient and reliable component of our transportation system."
Short
Sea Shipping will help ease freight transportation congestion and improve air
quality by encouraging the movement of cargo and passengers by water over short
distances along coastlines, to and from nearby islands, or within lakes and
river systems.
The
Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) will facilitate increased transportation
productivity, and energy efficiency by applying advanced ideas and concepts to
Short Sea Shipping.
The
MOC signed today will enhance collaboration between the DOT and Transport
Canada. The two departments have
agreed:
*
to collaborate and cooperate with each other in sharing knowledge and
information on Short Sea Shipping technology in all appropriate situations;
*
to support research and development efforts of mutual benefit through the
exchange of information and experience;
*
to keep each other informed of policy decisions, directives, and changes that
may affect them whenever possible; and
*
to aid in each other's efforts to promote the concept of Short Sea Shipping when
opportunities arise.
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