The purpose of the Short Sea Shipping Cooperative Program is to provide a forum for industry, labor, government and others to share resources and in-kind services in the development of short sea shipping in North America. Short sea shipping is defined as the water transportation of freight and passengers that does not cross an ocean. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is convinced that increased awareness and application of short sea shipping practices can decrease traffic congestion, improve safety, and benefit the environment.
MARAD, as sponsor of the cooperative, encourages the cooperative to pursue endeavors that apply short sea shipping to North America, rather than pursuing strictly academic research projects. One of the earliest goals of the cooperative will be to conduct outreach efforts to future users of a North American Short Sea Shipping System.
Background: The Short Sea Shipping Cooperative Program is an idea that came out of a set of industry recommendations from the First Annual Short Sea Shipping Conference held in New York, NY in November 2002. On July 23, 2003, MARAD hosted a concept conference on forming a cooperative, in which members pay annual dues, and offer in-kind and other services for the advancement of short sea shipping. Over 115 industry participants attended the July event, 38 immediately offered financial support, and 23 volunteered to serve on a steering committee to draft by-laws and recommend a leadership organization with a focus on the maritime community.
The cooperative formed as an entity officially on October 15, 2003, at MARAD Headquarters with approximately 25 full dues-paying members and approximately 8 non-voting associates. The membership adopted the acronym SCOOP as an abbreviation of the Short Sea Shipping Cooperative Program and elected the following members as Officers, who serve as volunteers without pay:
Mr. Robert Kunkel (Apex Marine)--Chair
Mr. John Tirpak (Saltchuk Resources)--Vice Chair
Mr. Peter, Shaerf (American Maritime Advisors)--Vice Chair
Mr. Joseph Cox (Chamber of Shipping of America)--Treasurer
The organization's official address is:
SCOOP c/o Chamber of Shipping of America
1730 M Street, NW, STE. 407
Washington, DC 20036-4517
For information on joining contact the Chamber of Shipping of America at: 202-775-4399. Additional information on SCOOP can be obtained from Michael Hokana, the MARAD Program Manager, who can be reached on 202-366-0760. The cooperative has a website at www.shortsea.us.
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