In light of reducing shipping emissions and boosting maritime cyber security, the United States Senator for Massachusetts, Edward J. Markey introduced two new bills ahead of the annual Maritime Administration Reauthorization Act.
In fact, the first bill called as “Expanding Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program Act”, will enhance zero-emission methods and port and vessel technologies.
What is more, the legislation authorizes a $3 million for the Maritime Administration’s Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program to further develop and boost activities concerning zero-emission technologies in the maritime industry.
In light of the above, Senator Markey stated:
International maritime vessels contribute to global climate change. To transition to a clean energy future, we need to find a way for the maritime sector to decarbonize in tandem with the rest of the economy, to transition to lower-emission technologies. This bill will increase the amount of research done in this low-funded sector to make that low-carbon transition.
The second bill, known as “Enhancing Maritime Cybersecurity Act” goals to increase awareness of cyber threats and develop best practices for security within the maritime field.
Namely, the legislation instructs the Maritime Administration to collaborate closely with the Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security, in order to assist ship operators identify cyber risks immediately, while help them on how to respond and recover following a cyber attack.
Maritime shippers transport the vast majority of U.S. overseas trade and could be a particularly attractive target to cybercriminals. My bill aims to proactively counter this threat by enhancing maritime cybersecurity and coordination among the relevant federal agencies.
…,Senator Markey concluded.
