Great Lakes Shipping Association

Great Lakes Shipping Association. The Great Lakes Shipping Association is a trade organization that represents the interests of the Great Lakes shipping industry, which includes companies such as American Steamship Company, Grand River Navigation Company, and Interlake Steamship Company. The association works closely with government agencies, including the United States Coast Guard, United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency, to promote the safe and efficient movement of goods on the Great Lakes. The association also collaborates with other industry groups, such as the Lake Carriers' Association and the Chamber of Marine Commerce, to address common issues and challenges.

● History

The Great Lakes Shipping Association has a long history dating back to the early 20th century, when it was established to promote the interests of the Great Lakes shipping industry. Over the years, the association has worked with notable figures, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, who signed the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, and Gerald Ford, who supported the development of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The association has also been involved in significant events, such as the Sault Ste. Marie Canal expansion and the St. Lawrence Seaway construction, which have shaped the Great Lakes shipping industry. The association has worked with organizations, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the United States Geological Survey, to advance the understanding of the Great Lakes ecosystem and promote sustainable shipping practices.

● Organization

The Great Lakes Shipping Association is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and its membership includes companies from the United States and Canada, such as FedNav Limited and Canada Steamship Lines. The association is led by a board of directors, which includes representatives from member companies, such as ArcelorMittal and U.S. Steel. The association also has a number of committees, including the Navigation Committee and the Environmental Committee, which focus on specific issues and challenges facing the Great Lakes shipping industry. The association works closely with government agencies, including the Federal Maritime Commission and the Transportation Security Administration, to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods on the Great Lakes.

● Membership

The Great Lakes Shipping Association has a diverse membership, including companies involved in bulk cargo shipping, such as iron ore and coal, as well as companies involved in container shipping and passenger shipping. Member companies include Cargill, Bunge Limited, and Maersk Line, which operate a fleet of ships and tugs on the Great Lakes. The association also has associate members, including companies that provide services to the shipping industry, such as shipbuilding and ship repair, including Bay Shipbuilding Company and Fraser Shipyards. The association works with other industry groups, such as the International Maritime Organization and the World Shipping Council, to promote the interests of the global shipping industry.

● Advocacy

The Great Lakes Shipping Association is a strong advocate for the Great Lakes shipping industry, working to promote the interests of its members and the industry as a whole. The association has been involved in a number of significant advocacy efforts, including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Sobering Reality of the Great Lakes Water Levels Act. The association has worked with lawmakers, including Senator Debbie Stabenow and Representative Candice Miller, to advance legislation that supports the Great Lakes shipping industry. The association has also collaborated with other industry groups, such as the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to promote the interests of the shipping industry and the broader economy.

● Environmental Efforts

The Great Lakes Shipping Association is committed to promoting environmentally sustainable shipping practices on the Great Lakes. The association has worked with government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to develop and implement environmental regulations and standards. The association has also collaborated with other industry groups, such as the Lake Carriers' Association and the Chamber of Marine Commerce, to promote the use of ballast water treatment systems and other technologies that reduce the environmental impact of shipping. The association has worked with organizations, including the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund, to advance the conservation of the Great Lakes ecosystem and promote sustainable shipping practices.

● Economic Impact

The Great Lakes Shipping Association has a significant economic impact on the Great Lakes region, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year. The association's members, including companies such as ArcelorMittal and U.S. Steel, are major employers in the region, and the shipping industry as a whole supports a wide range of businesses and industries, from shipbuilding and ship repair to cargo handling and logistics. The association has worked with government agencies, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the U.S. Department of Commerce, to promote the economic development of the Great Lakes region and support the growth of the shipping industry. The association has also collaborated with other industry groups, such as the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to promote the interests of the shipping industry and the broader economy. Category:Transportation organizations