Attached at Annex A, please find the monthly report prepared by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) for September 2024.

The report at Annex A:

1. Outlines that the US National Maritime Strategy aims to reverse the decline in US- flagged vessels and shipbuilding capacity, which they believe threatens both commercial viability and military readiness. The shortage of mariners to crew these vessels has raised concerns about meeting economic and military needs. Led by MARAD, the strategy involves collaboration with Congress to propose legislation that supports fleet expansion, shipbuilding and workforce development. A workshop in October 2024 will engage key stakeholders from the industry, labour and government to address these challenges and explore solutions;
2. And makes a note that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalised the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) regulations on September 20, 2024, setting national standards for incidental discharges from commercial vessels over 79 feet into U.S. waters. These standards cover 20 types of discharges, with procedures for states to request stricter measures. The U.S. Coast Guard will develop implementation, compliance and enforcement regulations within two years. Until both EPA and USCG rules are finalised, vessels must follow the 2013 EPA Vessel General Permit and other state regulations.

ICS(24)21 -Annex A- CSA September 2024