MARAD Initiatives
Programs and projects that MARAD manages or in which MARAD plays a major role:

• Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP): A public-private partnership that conducts cargo handling research and development to pursue innovative means for increased productivity and cost effectiveness of cargo operations. 

• Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP): Expands communications between U.S. based ship operators, ship managers, maritime training and educational institutions, maritime labor, maritime product and service suppliers, government and other maritime organizations. 

• Maritime Energy and Clean Emissions Program (see "Energy and Emissions): The Program seeks to investigate and demonstrate the potential for new technologies and fuels to improve marine power plant efficiency and reduce air emissions.  In addition, the Program provides guidance and information on related regulatory and policy issues.   The Program actively seeks partnership with industry, other Government agencies, and academia. 

• Marine Transportation System (MTS) Initiative: Coordinates federal, state, and local users of the Marine Transportation System to balance interests and facilitate communication.      

• Center for the Commercial Deployment of Transportation Technologies (CCDoTT): Functions as a partnership of academic institutions, government, and commercial corporations.  Leverages advanced transportation technologies, sponsors applied research and development; and provides a bilateral bridge between the DOD and commercial industry.

• Center for Climate Change and Environmental Forecasting: Dedicated to fostering awareness of the potential links between transportation and global climate change, and to formulating policy options to deal with the challenges of these links.  MARAD is part of the steering committee.

• National Maritime Enhancement Institutes (NMEIs): Maritime research-oriented institutes.

• National Maritime Resource & Education Center (NMREC): Serves as a major information source and facilitator within the U.S. Government for the maritime industry by providing expertise, information, and reference material.

• Inland Waterways Intermodal Cooperative Program (IWICP): The IWICP emphasizes industry-driven technology priorities to enhance integrated transportation systems for the movement of domestic freight based on advanced technologies. These efforts facilitate the development of a framework wherein segments of technologically advanced transportation networks are developed in relation to total system requirements.  Key to this concept are water and surface transportation technology and infrastructure advances, including intermodal transfer points and subsystems. MARAD is the facilitator for this industry/government effort although no MARAD R&D funding is available to support the work.

• Ship Structure Committee: Enhances the safety of life at sea, promotes technology and education advancements in marine transportation, and protects the marine environment. 

• Marine Board (of the Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Sciences):
  Identifies research needs and provides a forum for exchange of information relating to new technologies, laws and regulations, economics, the environment, and other issues affecting the marine transportation system, port operations, coastal engineering, and marine governance.