Houston Shows the Strength of Maritime Industry

May Commerce Club Featuring Admiral Steven Poulin, U.S. Coast Guard

Admiral Steven Poulin, Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, was the featured speaker at the Port Bureau’s Commerce Club luncheon on May 9. Poulin highlighted the importance of the nation’s ports and important Coast Guard objectives for the future.

Having served in Sector Houston-Galveston for several years during his Coast Guard career, Poulin recalled how “people take care of each other here” and remembered the valuable collaboration of industry. “In all my travels, I don’t think there is a better place than the greater Houston area to see the strength of the maritime industry,” he said.

The Coast Guard understands how critical the maritime industry is to the nation and is committed to the safety and effectiveness of U.S. waterways. Poulin noted the country must have safe and secure vessels, waterways, and facilities. “My message to you is thank you for keeping America open for business,” said Poulin. “The essence of what this port community does is to insure the lifeblood of the American economy.”

Poulin outlined the evaluation initiatives the Coast Guard is making to ensure port safety, particularly in light of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. While it is too soon to determine if regulations will be changed, the Coast Guard is examining risks within its sectors to identify any areas where safety could be improved.

Vessel Traffic Service (“VTS”) was another important area Poulin discussed. The Coast Guard operates 12 VTS programs nationwide, and it is a key element in moving goods. Much of their VTS equipment dates to the 1990s, and the Coast Guard is engaged with congress to make the case for modernizing the equipment as well as funding other resource and maintenance areas critical to the Coast Guard. “The investments we make in VTS have to be balanced across what is needed in the Coast Guard portfolio,” he explained. “Investment in the Coast Guard is fundamentally an investment in the marine transportation system.”

Poulin also discussed the historic workforce shortage the Coast Guard has experienced, indicating their workforce has dropped about 10%. He described a 10% gap as critical and indicated the Coast Guard is investing in recruiting and retention. To mitigate the impact of the shortage, the Coast Guard has reallocated staff and resources where practicable.  However, this has not applied to marine inspectors. Poulin said the move in marine inspection is toward “a risk-based approach. “I think it’s the right call for us and for the workforce,” said Poulin.

Summing up, Poulin emphasized the Coast Guard’s commitment to maritime needs, despite a changing or challenging environment, saying, “We will always remain ‘semper paratus’ (always ready) for maritime needs.”

Thank you to our Commerce Club sponsors:

Annual Table sponsors:

Callan Marine • Chevron/Kirby • Enterprise Products Partners • Kinder Morgan • Houston Pilots • Intercontinental Terminals Company • Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc. • Pemex  •  Shell • Targa Resources • TGS Ceder Port Industrial Park  • WGMA

May Table sponsors:

Buffalo Marine Service, Inc.• BWC Terminals  • Houston Mooring Company • Odfjell • Port Houston • Schröder Marine Services, Inc.