Copyright 2001 Journal of Commerce, Inc.  
Journal of Commerce - JoC Online
June 26, 2001
SECTION: OCEAN TRANSPORTATION and PORTS/INTERMODAL; Pg.WP

LENGTH: 161 words

HEADLINE: Representatives support MSP

BYLINE: JOC ONLINE

BODY:
Nine members of the Merchant Marine Panel of the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Armed Services have signed a letter supporting a call in April by the chairman of that panel, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., for reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program and preservation of a requirement that vessels owned and controlled by U.S. citizens be given preference for MSP funds.The letter means that all 10 members of the panel, Republicans and Democrats, have publicly supported the preservation of U.S. citizenship requirements for MSP vessel operators.

The letter of support to Hunter is the latest development in what sources say is a disagreement between Maersk Sealand, which operates 19 of the 47 MSP ships, some through a U.S. citizen ship management firm and some directly and many other shipping lines and maritime interests.

MSP, established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996, authorizes payment of $100 million annually.

LOAD-DATE: June 27, 2001