Short Sea Shipping Cooperative Program
Purpose: 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 the marine highway in North America. Marine highway transportation is defined as the water transportation of freight and passengers that does not cross an ocean. The Maritime Administration is convinced that increased awareness and application of modern marine highway methods can decrease traffic congestion, improve safety, and increase national fuel efficiency.
The Maritime Administration, as sponsor of the cooperative, will encourage the public-private partnership towards projects that fill the gap in applying modern marine highway principles to North America, rather than pursuing a strictly academic research track. One of the earliest goals of the Cooperative will be to conduct outreach efforts to future users of a North American marine highway system.
Background: The Short Sea Shipping Cooperative Program was formed on October 15, 2003 and was initially composed of a small group of private sector companies interested in growing the coastal maritime trade. As of February, 2008, the Cooperative has grown to include over 25 vessel operators, ports, stevedores and financial institutions.
The following is a list of the Cooperative's Officers, and their private sector corporate affiliation. It is noteworthy that the Officers serve as volunteers without pay:
Mr. John Tirpak -- American Shipping Group, Chair
Mr. Cole Cosgrove -- Crowley Maritime, Vice Chair
Mr. Torey Presti -- National Shipping of America, Inc., Vice Chair
Mr. Joseph Cox -- Chamber of Shipping of America, Treasurer
Mr. Mark Younge -- Maritime Transport and Logistic Advisors, Inc., Secretary
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 additional information on joining please contact the Chamber of Shipping of America at: 202-775-4399. The Cooperative has a website at www.shortsea.us.