Matt Woodruff of Kirby Corporation Takes the Helm as New Chairman of American Waterways Operators

A New Era for the American Waterways

Last week marked a significant moment for the American Waterways Operators (AWO) as they convened for their Spring Convention and Annual Membership Meeting. During this crucial gathering, Matt Woodruff, the Vice President of Public Government Affairs at Kirby Corporation, was elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. His leadership comes at a pivotal time for the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry, which is currently navigating the turbulent waters of national policy surrounding the Jones Act.

Woodruff succeeds Patrick Sutton, the former Chairman and Senior Vice President of Business Development Planning at the American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL). Sutton’s tenure was marked by various challenges and victories, and his guidance will be missed. Brian Hughes, the President of Hughes Bros. Inc., will take on the role of Vice Chairman, and Angela Grett, the Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Ingram Barge Company, assumes the position of Treasurer.

AWO President and CEO Jennifer Carpenter expressed her confidence in Woodruff’s leadership, stating, “AWO is fortunate to have capable, committed member leaders like Patrick Sutton and his predecessors committed to leading our advocacy on behalf of America's tugboat, towboat, and barge industry. We look forward to Matt Woodruff's strategic and determined leadership as we fight to end the overly broad, historically long Jones Act waiver that undermines billions of dollars in investments and hundreds of thousands of American jobs provided by the domestic maritime industry.”

The Importance of the Jones Act

One of the pressing issues on Woodruff’s agenda is the fight to eliminate the current waiver for the Jones Act, which he describes as detrimental to American mariners and the overall domestic maritime industry. The Jones Act mandates that maritime commerce between U.S. ports must be conducted on vessels that are built, owned, and operated by Americans. Critics argue that the existing waiver has led to significant job losses and has hindered investments necessary for the industry's growth.

In a recent statement, Woodruff emphasized, “The Jones Act is the foundation of the American maritime industry. This blanket waiver is harming American mariners by outsourcing their livelihoods to foreign carriers, which is incompatible with an America First agenda and with restoring American maritime dominance.” This bold assertion points to the urgency of bringing attention to the implications of the waiver, especially as discussions regarding national security and economic stability become central to policy formulation.

Woodruff also underscores that the waiver has not yielded the anticipated benefits, such as lower gasoline prices for consumers, contrary to the rationale presented for its continuation. Instead, it has led to concerns surrounding the long-term viability and competitiveness of American maritime operations.

Safety and Economic Priorities

Looking ahead, Woodruff has outlined key policy and safety priorities that he believes are critical for the industry. He asserts that a cohesive marine transportation system serves as a vital component of America’s economy, supply chain, and national security. “AWO is committed to speaking with one united voice for policies that keep our waterways strong and safe,” Woodruff stated. This highlights his intention to foster collaboration across the industry to ensure that waterways are not only utilized efficiently but also safeguarded for future generations.

Among his objectives are advocating for continued bipartisan support for the Jones Act, pushing for the end of the current waiver, promoting Coast Guard policies that enhance safety and innovation, and advocating for robust investments in infrastructure. U.S waterways are more than mere transport channels; they are essential lifelines that sustain economic activity and facilitate trade.

The newly elected chairman is intent on mobilizing support for these initiatives at both the government and industry level, believing that through a united front, real change can be enacted.

Conclusion

As Matt Woodruff steps into his new role, the AWO is poised for a period of heightened advocacy and action. The maritime industry stands at a crossroads, with the potential to reclaim its stature and assert the importance of domestic maritime jobs and security. With Woodruff’s determination and strategic vision, the AWO aims not only to confront existing challenges but also to chart a path towards a more resilient future for America’s maritime industry.