Trends, Challenges and Opportunities-Alternative Marine Fuels Symposium

Submitted by Barry Parker, Secretary of New York/ New Jersey chapter of International Propeller Club:



The Maritime Association of the Port of New York & New Jersey (often referred to as MAPONY/NJ) held its inaugural event: “Trends, Challenges and Opportunities-Alternative Marine Fuels Symposium” on November 19, 2024 in midtown Manhattan during the New York Maritime Days. Using an innovative format where the panel presentations were combined with a discussion format, the day's conversations were all about the ongoing shift from fossil fuels to low and even zero carbon alternative fuels, with a very specific focus on the Port of New York and New Jersey (PoNYNJ).

The day opened with a keynote speech by Beth Rooney, Director of the Port Department at the Port Authority (PANYNJ) -where the “Clean Vessel Incentive Program” was highlighted, along with ongoing efforts at shoreside electrification. Panels then looked at “Demand”, “Supply” and “What’s Next?”, with emphasis on issues specific to the local area. Vessel owners calling in the New York ports are considering and, in some cases, already burning methanol and renewable diesel fuel. Electrically powered vessels, and vessels that could consume ammonia, are also on the horizon. However, fueling infrastructures (including some potentially linked to offshore wind) won’t come until there is sufficient demand from the vessels, driven by financial and operational incentives. Indeed, throughout the day market participants were talking about carrots/ sticks and chickens/ eggs (with one panelist insisting that the chicken comes first). 

Though many of the local vessels are not directly subject to the standards and mechanisms agreed by the International Maritime Organization (the IMO), international deep-sea vessels in the container and tanker trades calling at PoNYNJ terminals certainly are. All eyes are focused on carbon intensity measures and market mechanisms that might emerge from upcoming meetings of the IMO’s Maritime Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC). Similarly, potential legislative actions coming with a new Administration in Washington, D.C., especially possible changes in renewable energy credit mechanisms, are being watched by both fuel suppliers, and consumers. In the background of all the discussions are regulations promulgated by the U.S. Coast Guard- where a pair of speakers (one from Headquarters in Washington, D.C. and one from the local Sector New York) explained how regulators are aiming to support the transitions to new fuels- including working closely with an operator of an ammonia fueled vessel that recently had a demonstration in the local region. 

The shift away from the present fossil fuels serving the maritime business is a work in progress. MAPONY/NJ’s Executive Director, Stephen Lyman (who worked tirelessly organizing the event) said: "As we embark on this journey together, let us remember: the conversations we have today will help us in working towards a sustainable maritime landscape locally and internationally for generations to come. Let this conference be a call to action—a space where bold ideas and development of strategies come together to propel us toward a resilient future."

Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act

In response to an unprecedented increase in cargo theft nationwide, Congressman David Valadao (R-CA) is sponsoring the Safeguarding Our Supply Chains Act (H.R. 8834), which aims to improve coordination between law enforcement, government agencies, motor carriers, rail representatives, and other supply chain stakeholders to combat the issue of cargo theft. The bill calls for the creation of a Supply Chain Fraud and Theft Task Force, which will allocate resources to "detect, disrupt, and deter organized theft groups that are targeting all stages of the supply chain." 

The bill has gained bi-partisan sponsorship in the U.S. House of Representatives and is supported by the Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ and the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers, along with other national organizations that include The Association of American Railroads, American Trucking Associations, National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council, UPS, Union Pacific, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Retail Industry Leaders Association, National Retail Federation, National Association of Manufacturers, and BNSF Railway.

$347 Million in Federal Funding for the Port of NY and NJ

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that it has been selected to receive $347 million in federal funding from the Biden-Harris administration to bolster the Port of New York and New Jersey’s sustainability and community outreach efforts. The funding represents the largest sustainability award the Port Authority has received to date.

The grants were provided through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which focuses on helping the nation’s ports address public health and environmental impacts on surrounding communities. The funding will play a critical role in the Port Authority’s efforts to transition to more environmentally sustainable operations at the busiest seaport on the East Coast. It will also strengthen collaboration with key partners in communities around the port facilities which are impacted by seaport operations.

Right Whale Seasonal Management Areas

The North Atlantic right whale migration and calving season has begun for the Mid-Atlantic and seasonal speed restrictions are in effect in that area (RI-GA). 

The modifications to the rule that were proposed in the summer of 2022 have not been finalized, so the same rule that has been in effect since 2009 is current (50 CFR § 224.105). 

Updates on the Hudson River Tunnel Project as of 11/18/2024

As reported, the Hudson River Ground Stabilization (HRGS) project will fortify a riverbed section to enable tunnel boring machine operations for the future Hudson River Tunnel.

The Hudson Tunnel Project will conduct marine surveys from July 1, 2024 – January 20, 2025.

October 2024 Vessel Stats

Public Notices

The United States Coast Guard recently announced in the Federal Register the availability of Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 105-5, which outlines cyber risk management requirements for Ship-to-Shore (STS) Cranes manufactured by People’s Republic of China (PRC) companies. These requirements are in addition to those previously promulgated via MARSEC Directive 105-4. The Directive contains security-sensitive information and therefore cannot be made available to the general public. Owners or operators of STS cranes manufactured by PRC companies should immediately contact their local U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) or District Commander for a copy of MARSEC Directive 105-5.

The applicant, Robert Hagopian, has requested Department of the Army authorization for the construction of a floating pier assembly, dredging and bank stabilization, in the Town of Ulster, Ulster County, New York

Comments are due by December 2, 2024

The applicant, Robert P. Nelson, Jr., has requested Department of the Army authorization to conduct dredging, with ten-years maintenance and upland disposal. The project is located at 1420 Ninth Street, within Pipes Cove, in the Town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York.

Comments are due by November 29, 2024

The New York District, Corps of Engineers has received an application for Removal of Historic Fill and Shoreline Stabilization.

Comments are due by December 13, 2024

The sponsor proposes to design, construct, establish, and operate the Upper Penhorn Creek Mitigation Bank (PCMB or Bank). The purpose of the bank is to provide off-site, third-party compensatory mitigation for projects that result in unavoidable impacts to waters of the United States, including wetlands, within the bank’s specified service areas.

Comments are due by December 18, 2024

The applicant, Greenpoint Landing Developers LLC, has requested Department of the Army

authorization for pier construction, outfall construction and fill activities in East River, Borough of Brooklyn, Kings County, New York.

Comments are due by December 20, 2024

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Informational Pipelines

Brokers Quarterly Meeting to be held on December 04, 2024 via WebEx at 10:00 am.