Speaker Highlights

1. Initial Observations and Questions:

One speaker began by discussing the use of the Seine River in France as a model for European ambitions in waterway freight. Questions were raised about community outreach and workforce development for these projects. The speaker noted that in Europe, such initiatives are typically top-down, driven by policymakers and scientists, with limited direct community consultation.

2. Workforce Development:

There was a discussion about the challenges of finding qualified workers for specialized maritime jobs. Captain Fredd Badar, a third-generation riverboat captain, expressed concerns about the aging workforce. European countries are implementing training programs to transition truck drivers into riverboat captains and other maritime roles.

3. Environmental Impact and Freight Reduction:

A significant portion of the conversation focused on the environmental benefits of waterway freight. One example highlighted was a barge that travels between the largest port in France and Paris, taking 120 trucks off the road per trip and saving 18,000 truck trips annually. Similarly, a French supermarket chain saves 3,600 truck trips annually by using barges, reducing carbon emissions by 20%.

4. Union and Infrastructure Challenges:

Questions were raised about potential resistance from unions and infrastructure issues such as locks and aging river systems. Interestingly, no significant union opposition was reported, but there is ongoing lobbying from the trucking industry concerned about losing business. The need for infrastructure upgrades, particularly in the face of climate change, was emphasized.

5. Case Study: Red Hook, Brooklyn:

Jim Tempacas, a marine business owner in Red Hook, discussed the impact of real estate developments on marine businesses. He highlighted the potential benefits of using waterways for freight to reduce truck traffic and mentioned ongoing projects by major companies like UPS and Amazon.

6. Vision for Marine Freight:

Alana Maya Dennis of US Coastal Service presented their vision for integrating marine freight with renewable energy infrastructure. Their goal is to create a network of marine freight terminals connected by electric vessels, significantly reducing trucking miles and emissions.

7. Schooner Apollonia:

Brad Vogel, representing the Schooner Apollonia, discussed their sail freight operations, emphasizing the use of wind power to move goods. The Apollonia has been successful in creating a sustainable, human-scale freight system on the Hudson River and New York Harbor.

Closing Remarks

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where topics like the cost competitiveness of marine freight, public-private partnerships, and the need for infrastructure improvements were discussed. The importance of continued advocacy and innovative partnerships to promote marine freight was underscored.

Final Thoughts

The event showcased a strong commitment to reviving New York City’s waterways for freight traffic, highlighting the environmental, economic, and logistical benefits. Speakers emphasized the need for collaboration, investment in infrastructure, and public support to make the Blue Highways Initiative a success.