04/01/2026
Louisiana showed up strong at the National Harbor Safety Conference in Seattle last week. It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from peers across the country, and bring back valuable perspectives to support our work on the Lower Mississippi River.
Several members of the GNOPSC Harbor Safety Committee also served as panelists, sharing their expertise and helping represent our region on a national stage.
Paul E. Dittman of Gulf Intracoastal Canal Assn shared his expertise in the Fragility of the MTS, Matthew Lagarde of Ingram Barge Company spoke on infrastructure and safety, Michael Breslin with American Waterways Operators presented on safety, and Christine Titus of LAMA had the opportunity to share insights from her experience in building and supporting a Harbor Safety Committee. Matthew Denning of Louisiana Maritime Association was also in attendance representing the deep-draft shipping industry in southern Louisiana. Dallas Theriot attended on behalf of the newly formed Bayou Safety Committee, and Ian Burnette & Jeff Brue represented Marathon Petroleum Corporation.
Huge thanks to Marine Exchange of Puget Sound and the NHSC Conference Committee for presenting this fantastic event, and to Noel Jones for being the life force behind the success of the NHSC initiative across the United States.
