Preface

The Maritime Trade and Transportation report is a cooperative effort of the members of the Maritime Data Group sponsored by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration. Group members include the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Committee on the Marine Transportation System, Federal Maritime Commission, Maritime Administration, Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This latest edition of Maritime Trade and Transportation follows two prior reports released in 1999 and 2002. These reports refl ect an ongoing effort by the Maritime Data Working Group to provide quality, timely, comprehensive, and relevant maritime-related data and information to federal, state, and local government and maritime industry stakeholders.

The Marine Transportation System (MTS) contributes to U.S. economic growth, enhances our global competitiveness, and supports national security objectives, among many other things. The MTS consists of an extensive network of waterways, ports, channels, cargo handlers and other transportation workers, intermodal facilities, and vessels. Each component of this system is dependent on the other for the smooth and effi cient fl ow of waterborne trade, transportation, and U.S. foreign and domestic commerce.

This report provides an update on major trends in marine infrastructure, maritime-related transportation services, domestic and international freight and passenger trade, the economic impact of the MTS, safety and environment, national security, and shipbuilding. In addition, this report presents information about the St. Lawrence Seaway and the U.S. Coast Guard.