MARAD Runs Maritime Security Program “In Secret”

In a letter dated November 7, 2012 to Franklin Parker, Chief Counsel, U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) from Constantine “Charlie” Papavizas, Partner, Winston Strawn and Counsel to Liberty Global Logistics, the Administration has been put on notice that it is in violation of U.S. law regarding its management of the Maritime Security Program (MSP). The letter also claims MARAD is operating MSP “in secret” and has “undermined the 2006 Congressional amendment and permitted non-citizens to operate MSP ships in disregard of the law and Congressional intent.”

The letter also states that MARAD has approved the transfer of a number of MSP contracts to questionable operators and non-citizen companies. He cites a number of cases which MARAD has used the wrong section 2 U.S. citizen statue to approve a contract transfer, which would ultimately invalidate the contract………

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Article courtesy of The Maritime Executive.