On April 5, 2000, the Maritime Administration’s Office of Shipbuilding & Marine Technology conducted a conference entitled “Marketing Issues and Challenges Facing the U.S. Shipbuilding Industry”. In addition to key industry presenters, Representative Herbert Bateman participated in the morning session.

This conference was the ninth in a series presented by MARAD and dealt with another important element in the Nation’s shipyard revitalization program – international competitiveness. The one-day event covered a wide range of interests and addressed the important issues facing the U.S. in the year 2000 and beyond. It provided an excellent opportunity for approximately 110 conference attendees to meet and converse with industry and government leaders who shared their perceptions and views on the critical areas which affect our country’s economic well being and national security.

Below are speeches from the conference:

• Opening Remarks: The Honorable Clyde J. Hart, Jr., Maritime Administrator
• Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Herbert H. Bateman, U.S. House of Representatives
• A CEO Reflects on the Foreign & American Approach to Shipbuilding: Cato Sverdrup, COO, Atlantic Marine Holding Company, Former CEO, Burmeister & Wain
• International Shipbuilder Selection from a Buyer’s Perspective: John Burke, Retired, Vice President and Director. Mobil Shipping Company
• A European Shipbuilder’s Assessment of Critical Issues Having a Worldwide Impact on Shipbuilding: Eero Mkinen, Senior Vice President, Kvaerner Masa, Helinski, Finland, and Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc.
• Marketing U.S. Shipbuilding Strengths and Expertise: Ronald J. McAlear, Vice President, Operations, Litton Avondale Industries, Inc.
• Title XI: John Graykowski, Deputy Maritime Administrator