b'Continued from page 4: Letter from the PresidentAT THE HELM andstringentregulationsdemand BolsteringtheU.S.Maritimeships.Thislegislationproposesaupdatedfacilities,equipment,andIndustry:Abipartisangroupofmulti-pronged approach to achieve trainedpersonnelneedsthatlawmakersismakingapushtoa goal of expanding the U.S. flagged many smaller yards struggle to meetbolster the U.S. maritime industry,fleet by 250 ships within a decade. independently. reintroducing two bills that aim toBy fostering domestic shipbuilding, rebuilddomesticshipbuildingca- enhancingthecompetitivenessof A significant problem is that whilepacity,growtheU.S.-flaggedfleet,U.S.-flaggedvessels,andinvestingCongress authorized $25 million forandcounterChinasdominanceininaskilledworkforce,thelegisla-the Small Shipyard Grant Program,commercial shipping. Senators Marktionseekstostrengthennational only$8.75millionisallocatedforKelly(D-Ariz.)andToddYoungsecurity, secure supply chains, and grantsin2025.OneofPVAsre- (R-Ind.), along with Representativescreateaprosperousfutureforthe quests is to increase the authorizedJohnGaramendi(D-Calif.)andAmerican maritime industry.funding and, at the very least, allo- Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), have brought cate the full $25 million. With overbacktheShipbuildingandHarbor FederalInvestmentinFerry 300 U.S. small shipyards employingInfrastructureforProsperityandPrograms:PVAalsoadvocated more than 100,000 skilled workers,Security(SHIPS)forAmericaActforincreasedfederalinvestment and grants covering up to 75 percentand its companion bill, the BuildingintheFederalTransitAdministra-of project costs, $8.75 million willShips in America Act. tion(FTA)PassengerFerryGrant not last long. ProgramandtheFederalHighway Administration (FHWA) Ferry Boat The core objective of the SHIPS for DuringthevisittoWashingtonAmerica Act is to reverse the alarm- Formula Program. These programs D.C., a stunning statistic was shared:ing trend of foreign dominance inhelpmodernize,expand,andim-Chinaproducedmoretonnageintheglobalshippingindustry,par- prove public ferry service across the shipbuilding in fiscal year 2024 thanticularly by China, which boasts acountry. Public ferries are more than the United States has produced sincefleetof5,500internationalvesselsjust boats, they are a critical part of World War II.compared to a mere 80 U.S. flaggedthe nations transportation network, providingessentialservicestomil-lions of Americans each year.If you have not participated in a PVA Congressional Fly-In, I highly suggest We take the heat,that you consider it in the future. It so you dont have to. remainsacornerstoneofindustry Cool. Because you need it. We deliver cool based onadvocacy,reinforcingthecommit-your reality. So no matter where you operate, hot daysment of passenger vessel operators to and heavy loads will never slow you down.safe,efficient,andsustainablemari-time transportation. As the industry evolves, events like this will continue to shape its future.Sincerely,GRIDCOOLERWEKA OmegaKeel Cooler Boxcooler Laser Platefernstrum.com| 1.906.863.5553| sales@fernstrum.comSteve JonesISO 9001:2015 PVA President, 2025 2023 R.W. Fernstrum & Company. All rights reserved. FERNSTRUM and GRIDCOOLER are registered trademarks of R.W. Fernstrum & Company. All other trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners.FOGHORN 48'