July 25, 2006

Ocean Shipping and the Environment

Ocean shipping is fundamental to world trade and the global economy. More than two billion tons of cargo move through U.S. ports annually, and trade is expected to double in the next fifteen years. Accommodating this growth will require increased shipping, larger ships, deeper channels, and greater port infrastructure. Without effective governance, environmental impacts due to shipping are also likely to grow. The Ocean Shipping and the Environment panel, moderated by ELI’s Kathryn Mengerink, explored some of the major legal and policy issues related to shipping and the environment, including whale strikes, ship noise, and invasive species introduction.

Panelists included:
Amy Fraenkel, Senate Commerce Committee
Lindy Johnson, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Office of General Counsel for International Law
Kathy Metcalf, Chamber of Shipping of America
Andrew Wetzler, Natural Resources Defense Council