In a letter to Congress and President Joe Biden, the groups asked the leaders to fund the Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Program to help those impacted by the pandemic.
“Despite container surges at several large ports, commercial cargo volumes have plummeted across the industry – total waterborne trade volume is down 5.5% compared to last year, while the value of this trade has crashed by 12.7% totaling $200 billion. Passenger movements remain virtually ceased,” according to the letter.
In uncertain times, the U.S. maritime industry and its workforce has sustained the movement of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods to communities, AAPA President and CEO Christopher J. Connor said.
“This emergency relief will ensure operational continuity at the elevated level which Americans have come to depend on,” Connor said in a statement.
