MAY 2, 2013 —Thomas Allegretti, President & CEO of the American Waterways Operators (AWO) has been elected the new Chairman of the American Maritime Partnership (AMP). He succeeds James Henry, Chairman and President of the Transportation Institute. Henry will now serve as AMP's Vice Chairman.

"It is an honor to serve AMP in this new capacity. The organization is evolving, growing and improving, a path set forth by my predecessor, Jim Henry," said Mr. Allegretti. "I hope to build upon Jim's efforts to promote the domestic maritime industry, its significant economic and national security benefits, and the importance of the Jones Act as the critical foundation that supports the industry's essential work."

As AMP Chairman, Mr. Allegretti leads the most broad-based coalition ever assembled to represent the U.S. domestic maritime industry. Its 450-plus members  include vessel owners and operators, shipbuilders and repair yards, dredging and marine construction contractors, trade associations, pro-defense groups, and more.

These diverse but allied interests all recognize that a strong domestic maritime industry is critical for America's economic, national, and homeland security, and is best supported by maintaining the Jones Act as the basis of America's domestic maritime policy.