THG pioneered the development of the first US Seaport Community System that successfully operated as a proof of concept at a military strategic port. Because of its overwhelming success, it was eventually deployed to additional strategic ports. By bringing together all of the maritime stakeholders and constituencies this system created an integrated distribution business environment that connected customers, carriers, ports, including staging areas, and security agencies by

• Providing advanced information-sharing capabilities;
• Using the client’s existing network and systems;
• Enabling DOD to leverage commercial and government-owned transportation assets, seaport facilities, and staging/storage facilities.

THG proposed a solution to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) – create the United States Agile Seaport Network (USASN) that builds on the first US Seaport Community System.  Federal Maritime Commissioner Carl Benzel is advocating a new digital effort called Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI) which would look to US port authorities to facilitate digital information sharing to monitor excessive detention and demurrage charges levied on US shippers by terminal operators and global container shipping lines.

THE SOLUTION

 The UNITED STATES AGILE SEAPORT NETWORK (USASN) will be a predictable, resilient and agile capability creating a national collaborative seaport information environment. The USASN will be a “not-for-profit,” non-commercial, trusted, neutral, secure and wartime-tested information-sharing effort that enables collaboration between seaports and their critical stakeholders. Perhaps most importantly, USASN meets industry and government requirements; and can be quickly deployed.

ENDURING ADVANTAGES

The USASN will manage crisis response, preserving U.S. competitiveness, while achieving national strategic objectives. The benefit to stakeholders…

• Enhance the speed, precision and security of commercial distribution networks;
• Avoid costly, time-consuming delays, and logistics disruption;
• Provide greater certainty in the delivery of goods to wholesalers, distributors, and consumers;
• Support military readiness of S. Strategic Seaports for rapid force deployment and sustainment.

Once the immediate crisis abates, the USASN will contribute to a speedier economic recovery and a more resilient transportation system and will attract broad participation by continuous demonstration of commercial neutrality and timely delivery of specified outcomes. Encourage commercial investment, fostering both infrastructure and employment growth.