Maritime Expert’s Plan to Revitalize U.S. Shipping Attracting National Attention

Maritime TV, a subsidiary Internet TV Channel on the TV Worldwide Network announced that it was experiencing exceptionally high traffic volume and feedback related to the channel’s video interview with Dr. John A.C. Cartner concerning his 10-point plan for the future of the U.S. maritime industry. The plan was detailed in a white paper that Cartner submitted through his law firm, Cartner & Fiske, LLC in response to comment solicitation for DOT’s FY 2014-2018 Strategic Plan Draft. The plan entitled Ten Points to Rationalize and Restart the United States Maritime Industry was also submitted directly to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

“We’ve had to provision our servers for the unexpected exceptionally high traffic volume for this on-demand feature interview,” said Dave Gardy, Chairman and CEO of TV Worldwide and President of Maritime TV. “Our interview with Dr. Cartner about his plan definitely hit a nerve. Even those who disagree with elements of the plan have indicated that it started an industry-wide discussion that needed to take place after sequester-related activities threatened U.S. flag shipping’s very existence.”

“I have received extensive worldwide feedback, mostly positive to the elements of the plan I proposed in the white paper,” stated Cartner. “I don’t expect everyone in the industry to support every point in the plan, but I am heartened by the interest that’s been generated and the positive discussion that is taking place regarding the future of our industry. There is no pride of authorship here…we’re at a critical juncture and it’s clear that the time to act is now.” Dr. Cartner holds advanced academic and law degrees and is a former shipmaster of large oceanic vessels. He is author of several influential maritime books and numerous articles with a broad worldwide readership.

Gardy added that in addition to new international program introductions over the next several months, Maritime TV will be highlighting activities relating to U.S. maritime industry revitalization efforts. “With the upcoming launch of the Captain Phillips movie that details the MV Maersk Alabama hijacking by pirates, mainstream attention will be drawn to U.S. maritime industry. We’re getting feedback that it’s an important opportunity for a national discussion on a number of fronts regarding U.S. flag shipping,” said Gardy.

Video interview with Dr. John A.C. Cartner

Maritime TV, September 24, 2013; Image: iStock