• The bill promises to strengthen U.S. supply chains at a time of increasing geopolitical volatility.
• The bill will increase efficiency of goods movement, reduce the maritime freight industry’s reliance on oil, and secure sensitive trade and national security data.
• Section 12 of the bill will specifically yield major greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution reductions, as well as support meaningful cost savings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 28, 2023)—The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo) applauds the introduction of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act, sponsored by Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and John Garamendi (D-CA), to help make U.S. supply chains more secure, resilient, sustainable, and efficient.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act adds to the original bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022, in part by including the development of a data sharing standard for maritime logistics, which will streamline operations and communication between ports and freight stakeholders, helping to reduce congestion when transferring goods and build system-wide resilience into supply chains.

“This essential bill will enhance the security and efficiency of U.S. maritime trade,” said Christine Weydig, Executive Director of the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility. “The economic and security benefits of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act are vital to ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in trade and that U.S. supply chains are resilient in the face of challenges posed by an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape,” Weydig said.

Section 12, Data Standard for Maritime Logistics, establishes a critical pathway to developing a data-sharing standard amongst relevant stakeholders that will increase transparency and enable them to better respond to both expected and unexpected supply chain disruptions. ReMo has shared its policy recommendations with policymakers in Congress, U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to advance the goals of improving maritime freight efficiency and sustainability and looks forward to continuing to work with leaders in Congress to advance this critical and bipartisan issue.

“In addition to the economic and security benefits this legislation brings, the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act will modernize the freight value chain through digitalization and produce substantial sustainability benefits. The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility’s research found that standardized freight data exchange can deliver operational efficiencies that significantly reduce freight sector emissions caused by idling trucks and ships that impact so many port communities in the U.S.,” she added.

In its report, Solving the Global Supply Chain Crisis with Data Sharing, ReMo found that data standards and data sharing for the freight industry can have tremendously positive impacts for relatively little investment. The Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act would enable the development and deployment of such standards. The benefits from leveraging data can be realized near-term using readily available technology, as the industry continues to develop and commercialize low-carbon fuels and other solutions.

According to the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility’s research, improved digitalization of freight that allows stakeholders across the ocean freight value chain—such as shipping companies and ports— can reduce emissions by 22%, and costs by 6% by making it possible to more efficiently route cargo, reduce wait times of ships and trucks, increase utilization of existing infrastructure, and better coordinate overall.

That would translate into the freight industry using 2.5 billion fewer barrels of oil a year, a significant reduction to help meet climate goals and reduce U.S. oil dependence at a time of rising geopolitical tensions.

“The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility looks forward to continuing to work closely with Representatives Garamendi and Johnson to support this vital and timely piece of legislation that will modernize ocean shipping and support American competitiveness,” Weydig said.

About the Coalition for Reimagined Mobility

The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo) is a global initiative of SAFE, advancing new mobility technologies and services to shape transportation systems that are better for people and planet. Bringing together stakeholders across transportation, technology, and sustainability, ReMo conducts research and policy advocacy in the U.S. and Europe to create more efficient, sustainable, equitable, and secure ways to move people and goods. For more information visit reimaginedmobility.org.

About SAFE

SAFE is a bipartisan nonprofit that accelerates the real-world deployment of secure, resilient, and sustainable transportation and energy solutions of the United States, and its partners and allies, by shaping policies, perceptions, and practices that create opportunity for all. Visit secureenergy.org.

Media Contacts
Ashley Simmons, Vice President Communications
The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo)
asimmons@reimaginedmobility.org
M: +1 202.341.9508

Jason Islas, Senior Manager, Policy Communications
The Coalition for Reimagined Mobility (ReMo)
jislas@reimaginedmobility.org
M: +1 310 977 0645