American Waterways Operators

16/10/2026

There’s so much more to Fall Convention than what happens in the meeting room. ⚓️🍻 From catching up with old friends to making new connections, some of the best memories happen in between the sessions. Here’s a look at some of our favorite moments! 🎥

14/10/2026

Our industry is facing continual disruptions: Jones Act waivers, new state and federal regulations, U.S. Coast Guard priorities, operational and safety challenges, and so much more. Today’s presentations offered incredible insight into these issues and helped carve a path forward for members, AWO, and the domestic maritime industry at large. We’re ready for the waters ahead! 🌊

14/10/2026

Nothing quite like Palm Beach with our members 🏝️ Last night, we kicked off our Fall Convention in the best way possible: incredible conversations, amazing weather, and plenty of drinks and delicious food. Cheers to the start of a great event!

13/10/2026

The maritime industry is constantly evolving, and strong leadership has never been more important.

Today, members of AWO's Board of Directors are meeting to discuss the policy, workforce, safety, and operational issues shaping the future of America's tugboat, towboat, and barge industry. ⚓

These conversations help ensure AWO remains focused on the priorities that matter most to our members while advancing a safe, sustainable, and competitive maritime transportation system.

The work happening in this room today will help inform advocacy efforts, industry initiatives, and member engagement in the months ahead.

08/10/2026

American maritime dominance cannot happen without the Jones Act 🇺🇸

The Anduril announcement is a major vote of confidence in America's shipbuilding talent. President Donald J. Trump, that same confidence should extend to the commercial Jones Act fleet.

America can’t claim maritime dominance while giving away our domestic cargo to foreign ships. ⚓️

https://americanmaritimevoices.org/sparrows-point-shipyard-could-bring-thousands-of-jobs-promises-billions-in-investments-maryland-matters/

06/10/2026

The best part of traveling is spending time with our members. While on the West Coast last week, AWO Senior Director of Safety & Sustainability Mike Breslin visited AWO member Dunlap Towing Company and had the chance to connect with a team that helps keep our nation's maritime transportation system strong.

Thank you to everyone at Dunlap Towing for the warm welcome! ⚓🌊

👋 Tag a company or mariner from the Pacific Northwest who helps keep America's waterways moving.

06/10/2026

What's the price of maritime sovereignty?

A new opinion piece argues that America's maritime workforce, domestic supply chain, and economic security are worth far more than the promise of marginal savings at the pump.

Read Robert Pipken's latest article on the importance of maintaining American control over America's waterways: https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/10/maritime-sovereignty-worth-more-than-a-penny-at-the-pump/

By hollowing out our domestic maritime infrastructure, we invite the exact vulnerabilities that lead to supply chain ruin. 

05/10/2026

☀️ West Palm Beach is calling!

Join us next week as maritime leaders from across the country come together to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and priorities shaping the future of our industry.

There's still time to register! From meaningful networking and timely policy discussions to industry insights and collaboration, plus amazing food and drinks (and views!), you won't want to miss this.

We hope to see you in Florida! 🌴⚓️

02/10/2026

AWO had an amazing time connecting with colleagues at the Ship Operations Cooperative Program's (SOCP) Annual Fall Meeting in Seattle this week!

From artificial intelligence to automation, attendees discussed the future of maritime technology and the critical role people will continue to play in shaping it. AWO Senior Director of Safety & Sustainability, Michael Breslin, joined a panel on human behavior to discuss the connection between people, technology, and safety.

Thank you to SOCP, and to AWO member Crowley Corporation, for hosting such a great opportunity to connect with the maritime community!

02/10/2026

A Jones Act waiver that proponents claim is intended to address a national defense emergency should not be putting American cargo onto vessels linked to China. And despite months of foreign-vessel access to our domestic routes, consumers still face high gasoline and diesel prices.

Worse, the waiver undermines American maritime dominance by sidelining U.S. vessels, mariners, and shipyards while creating new opportunities for foreign competitors. The facts deserve scrutiny.