Nautilus Federation unions endorse US transportation secretary nominee over support for cabotage

The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the largest maritime industry legislative coalition in the United States, has announced that it supports the nomination of former congressman Sean Duffy to lead the US Department of Transportation.

The International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) and Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), both affiliates of the Nautilus Federation, are members of the AMP, which represents all sectors of the USA’s domestic maritime industry.

As secretary of transportation, Mr Duffy will oversee the Maritime Administration, which is responsible for supporting the US merchant marine fleet, promoting domestic shipbuilding, and ensuring the readiness of critical maritime infrastructure.

During the hearing to confirm his appointment, Mr Duffy, a Republican who represented Wisconsin until he left the US Congress in 2019, replied in the affirmative when asked whether he supports the Jones Act, a cabotage measure which requires that cargo moving between two US points is carried on American-built, owned and crewed vessels.

‘We have worked with Congressman Duffy during his tenure in Congress and believe he is well qualified for this important position,’ AMP President Jennifer Carpenter said in a letter to senate majority leader John Thune.

‘AMP particularly appreciates his unequivocal support for the Jones Act as expressed during his Commerce Committee confirmation hearing.’

Mark Dickinson, general secretary of Nautilus International, and the now-retired President of MM&P, Don Marcus, recently attended a meeting of the NATO Transport Group where they called on allied nations to make substantial investments in maritime capabilities, strengthen their merchant marines, and support maritime professionals.