(PORTSMOUTH, N.H.) — The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) recognized Sen.Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., on Thursday with the 2016 Champion of Maritime Award. AMP honored Ayotte due to her extraordinary support and dedication to the American maritime industry.
Ayotte’s longstanding support for U.S. maritime is demonstrated through her work as a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, and Senate Armed Services Committee. As a champion for the maritime industry, Ayotte recognizes the critical function of the domestic maritime industry for strengthening homeland and border security, and understands the economic importance of the domestic maritime industry for New Hampshire, adding more than $190 million annually to the state’s economy alone. Nationwide, the domestic maritime industry accounts for approximately 500,000 jobs and $100 billion in annual economic impact.
“I am honored to be recognized by the American Maritime Partnership, and I appreciate their commitment to furthering New Hampshire and our nation’s maritime industry. Our maritime industry plays such an important role in maintaining New Hampshire and our nation’s economy and is a provider of good jobs,” said Ayotte. “I am grateful for the dedicated work of companies like Moran Towing who work hard every day to ensure the safety and productivity of our ports and waterways, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the future to support this important industry.”
The Champion of Maritime is the highest award conferred by the American Maritime Partnership to leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to the domestic maritime industry.
“Sen. Ayotte has been a tremendous and valued champion for the domestic American maritime industry, serving as a principled leader who truly understands our industry’s critical role to the vitality and security of our nation,” AMP Chairman Tom Allegretti said. “Sen. Ayotte has worked tirelessly to sustain a strong maritime industry, and because of her dedication and effectiveness, we are honored to provide her with our highest honor — the Champion of Maritime Award.”
