“Despite container surges at several large ports, commercial cargo volumes have plummeted across the industry — total waterborne trade volume is down 5.5% compared to last year, while the value of this trade has crashed by 12.7% totaling $200 billion,” the groups, which included the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), warned in letters sent to congressional leaders and the White House on Tuesday.
“Passenger movements remain virtually nonexistent with operations not expected to resume for months. Expenses have greatly increased due to COVID-19 protocols and precautions that have been put in place to ensure the health and safety of staff, and these extra costs borne by the industry to keep supply lines open are above and beyond the normal costs of operations.”
The groups also warned that the trends are likely to continue and worsen as the pandemic intensifies over the next several months.
“To date, no dedicated funding has been provided in any of the COVID-19 legislative packages to assist the maritime transportation system despite emergency relief being provided to other modes of transportation.”
The groups want to see money for the industry included in the next COVID-19 relief bill and funded through the Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Program, a new program created as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020. It authorizes the U.S. Maritime Administration to award grants due to emergencies, including the current pandemic.
Those eligible for receiving money from the fund include U.S. entities in maritime transportation, including vessel owners and operators, ship construction, and maritime training. Eligible costs for relief include cleaning, sanitization, personal protective equipment, fuel, debt payments, workforce retention, and infrastructure repair.
“During these uncertain times, the U.S. maritime industry and its workforce has sustained the movement of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods to our communities,” commented AAPA President and CEO Christopher Connor. “This emergency relief will ensure operational continuity at the elevated level which Americans have come to depend on.”
Maritime regulators recently appealed directly to Biden that immediate vaccinations be given to U.S. dockworkers, many of whom work at the country’s largest container ports. The risk is particularly high at ports in Southern California, where COVID-19 outbreaks have intensified.