The port and maritime industry has lost one of its most ardent supporters, said Jean Godwin, evp and general counsel of the American Association of Port Authorities, who acknowledged Bentley's 'strong advocacy for ports, particularly the Port of Baltimore.'
Bentley served as a US congresswoman from Maryland and as Federal Maritime Commission chairman. She was a strong ally of US industry and the merchant marine.
While chairing the FMC from 1969 to 1975 during the Nixon administration, Bentley was one of the US government's highest ranking women and the first woman to serve in a key governmental position in the maritime field.
She began her career as a reporter and then maritime editor at The Baltimore Sun.
Bentley 'devoted her life to making a positive, indelible mark on the seaport industry and its issues. This was her passion and her pride,' AAPA's Godwin said. 'Her insights on port operations and public policy made her a very effective spokesperson for national port issues as well. Her expertise will be sorely missed in Washington.'
FMC chairman Mario Cordero called Bentley 'a pioneer in many different fields and industries' but said she will be remembered for her work on maritime matters.
'From the newsroom to the Baltimore waterfront, from the halls of Congress to the chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, she distinguished herself in each and every endeavor she undertook,' Cordero said. 'It is a testament to the fortitude and tenacity that she was known for that she remained an active, forceful and articulate advocate on shipping and port issues to the very end of her life.'
Seatrade chairman Chris Hayman observed whether it is in the US House of Representatives or any of the European parliaments, the number of legislators who really understand the maritime industry is often limited. With her background as maritime reporter, chair of the FMC and strong supporter of the Port of Baltimore, Bentley 'used that experience to good effect as a tough and articulate advocate on industry issues.'
Hayman noted Bentley was the first woman to be profiled in Seatrade Magazine, back in the 1970s, expressing her views on the liner conference system in 'typically trenchant fashion.'
In 2006, at a formal event recognizing the 300th anniversary of the Port of Baltimore, Maryland Gov. Robert L. Erlich Jr. renamed the port after Bentley. It is officially called the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.
On the occasion of Carnival Pride's return to year-round service at Baltimore in March 2015, Bentley was front and center at a reception on board, where she was seated with Maryland Transportation Secretary Peter Rahn and traded quips with Carnival brand ambassador John Heald, who ended up asking for her autograph.
Bentley had welcomed Carnival Pride's return to year-round Baltimore sailings and called Carnival a 'major contributor' to the port and the state of Maryland over years. She viewed cruising as important, and noted how it's now seen as an opportunity for ports around the globe.
'The only thing missing is some American-flag ship,' she said. Bentley had worked with the World City group for many years as a consultant.
Bentley, 91 at the time of the Carnival Pride event, was still feisty and active as a consultant for the port. Then, she told Seatrade Cruise News she got involved in 'the tough deals' when her legendary talent for finding solutions was needed.
'I do anything that needs to be done,' she said.
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