Marine transportation system? Ships and stuff, right?  More than that.  It is the connection of land and water transportation infrastructure and the freight and passenger operations that use that infrastructure.  It is modal elements in combination–intermodal transportation–and comprises a surprisingly substantial portion of the national surface transportation system.  Some parts of the MTS reach beyond port regions and the densely populated coastal states; its corridors stretch to and through interior states.

In 1999, USDOT gave it a name and with stakeholder involvement gave it definition.  It acknowledged that marine transportation–that neglected and off-shore mode, often out of mind–was part of an interconnected system.   In the years that followed the spectacular growth in global commerce put a spotlight on the important role the MTS  plays in the national economy.   And given the  growing strains on road and rail capacity the MTS the marine portion is seen as having an important role in assuring American mobility in the years ahead.

MTS matters?  Of course it does.  This blog highlights information that we find interesting and on point–reports, stories, data, studies, opinions, and developments in policy and business.  And maybe there will be an occasional diversion just to keep things interesting.  Comments and corrections are welcome.

This is our current blogging crew:

• Paul Bea gave a start to MTS Matters and is blogger-in-chief.  His government, public affairs, and policy work in Washington, D.C. has covered nearly 40 years, most of that centered on the port/maritime sector and the MTS.  In 2006 he left the public sector and started PHB Public Affairs.  He advises public entity, private sector, and association clients.  Marine highway, port and goods movement infrastructure issues are among those that engage his time and interest.  His affiliations include The Ferguson Group LLC and Maritime  Transport & Logistics Advisors, LLC.

• Tom Wakeman is a Research Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey.  Previously, he was employed by the Port Commerce Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco and Sacramento Districts.  Dr. Wakeman has extensive experience in navigation, port development, and freight transportation planning.

Through MTS Matters we share our individual interests, insights and opinions, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any organization with which we are affiliated.

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