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The President’s U.S. OCEAN ACTION PLAN, DECEMBER 2004.The Marine Transportation System, a network of waterways, ports, and equipment for the movement of freight, military, and passengers is a vital public-private partnership that makes up an essential component of the nation's transportation network. It links water and surface transportation (rail and highway) and enables America to globally connect. |
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Last updated: 11/6/2007
“The US Marine Transportation System” (MTS), which consists of waterways, ports and their connections, commercial and recreational vessels, vehicles and system users, such as importers and exporters, is a vital public-private partnership. The waterborne cargo moving on the MTS contributes more than $742 billion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product and creates employment for more than 13 million individuals. As the US economy continues to expand and [my] administration pursues greater international trade liberalization, the importance of our marine transportation infrastructure will continue to grow. The expected projection of commercial and recreational vessel operations brings with it the challenge to ensure that vessels in our oceans, coasts, Great Lakes, and waterways are operating in an environmentally responsible manner.”