AAPA Remains Engaged in Government Response to International Shipping Challenges

AAPA continues to closely track the latest developments in the Red Sea. While these security concerns are isolated to the opposite end of the world, our industry is global and intimately understands how these issues can compound and have major effects on our supply chain. Transportation costs are rising, as more ships either avoid the Red Sea or are forced to pay extra insurance or security surcharges.

Encouragingly, Operation Prosperity Guardian has brought international partners, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain, alongside the power of the United States Armed Forces to reestablish the safe navigation of international waters in the Red Sea for all nations while also bolstering regional security and prosperity.

Recently, AAPA signed a letter with other maritime stakeholders encouraging countries to join and support the mission to secure maritime commerce in the Red Sea – such as Operation Prosperity Guardian. Additionally, AAPA leadership continues to actively participate in recurring calls with U.S. Department of Transportation and Maritime Administration leadership alongside shippers, carriers, and other maritime interests. Officials have indicated that they anticipate threats in the Red Sea to continue for the foreseeable future.

Our maritime shipping challenges have also captured the attention of Congress:

• The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a subcommittee hearing on this topic titled Menace on the Red Sea: Securing Shipping Against Threats in the Red Sea.
• The Congressional Research Service also released a new public report on the issue.
• Numerous Members of Congress have written letters to the Biden Administration questioning their strategy and ability to protect American shippers and interests abroad.
• This growing list notably includes a bipartisan group of Senators: Kaine (D-VA), Lee (R-UT), Murphy (D-CT), and Young (R-IN).

Beyond Capitol Hill, the Federal Maritime Commission also held a hearing on February 7 where Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero testified.

AAPA will continue to support our maritime industry partners and stay engaged in the Government's response to this international challenge.