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AAPA hails withdrawal of expanded right whale speed cap planAAPA hails withdrawal of expanded right whale speed cap plan

Ports were concerned about navigational safety, with pilot boats among those impacted by NOAA's proposed rule.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

January 15, 2025

1 Min Read
This NOAA chart shows the habitat of the endangered North Atlantic right whale. It is believed that fewer than 360 remainMAP: NOAA

The American Association of Port Authorities applauded the US for withdrawing its proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Speed Reduction rule.

'Precision technology' instead

'Vessel speed restrictions, no matter how well intentioned, severely diminish the flow of commerce through our nation's gateways while also making the already difficult jobs of harbor pilots and mariners more dangerous,' AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis said. 'America's ports thank the federal government for making the right decision to withdraw the NARW Vessel Speed Restriction rule and look forward to supporting precision technology to preserve and protect marine life.'

A species nearing extinction

Current National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regulations that limit vessels 65 feet and longer to 10 knots from November through May have been in place since 2008. In 2022, NOAA proposed additional changes that included applying speed caps to vessels 35 feet and longer, impacting pilot boats.

NOAA said North Atlantic right whales are approaching extinction with fewer than 360 individuals and 70 reproductively active females remaining.

Consistent opposition

Over the last few years, AAPA has consistently opposed the proposed rule, raising concerns before the US legislative and executive branches and collaborating with several maritime industry coalitions.

Related:AAPA warns on Biden administration's whale-safety speed cap

Citing navigational safety, Port Canaveral was one of the cruise ports that objected to the proposed changes.

'This is a significant win for ports, the wider maritime industry and our nation,' AAPA said Wednesday. The association expects the notification of delay will be officially published in the Federal Register Thursday.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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