New Orleans, LA — As we mark National Maritime Month, the significance of the maritime industry, both locally in New Orleans and for the nation, cannot be overstated. Hugh “Skip” Lambert, a prominent voice in maritime law and a partner at Lambert Zainey, recently joined Audacy to discuss this vital sector and its deep-rooted importance.
“National Maritime Month is a tribute to the maritime industry and its importance, not only to our region but also to the whole country, if not the world,” Lambert stated, setting the stage for a conversation that delved into the vast reach of maritime commerce.
The Unsung Heroes of Commerce
Many often associate maritime work with “blue water” — the deep-sea shipping that accounts for an astonishing 90% of the world’s trade by volume. However, Lambert emphasized that for Louisiana and much of the United States, the inland waterways, particularly the Mississippi River and its tributaries, are the unsung heroes of commerce.
“The Mississippi River was the first highway system in the whole country,” Lambert explained. “It and its tributaries account for a tremendous amount of commerce — agricultural, chemical, petroleum — all of those things flow through the Mississippi River.” He pointed out that the Port of New Orleans, situated at the mouth of this mighty river, is truly a “crossroads to the world.” Without the port and the river system, Lambert suggested, the very reason for New Orleans’ existence would be diminished.
A Complex Ecosystem
The conversation also touched upon the vast infrastructure and workforce supporting this industry. From the 237 locks and lock chambers that manage water levels across the inland system to the stevedoring companies and their skilled workers who load and unload cargo, the maritime sector is a complex ecosystem.
“Stevedores,” Lambert clarified for listeners, “are the gentlemen and ladies who actually load and unload and arrange for loading and unloading of vessels,” forming a critical link between land, river, and ocean-going traffic.
Growth and Evolution Ahead
Looking ahead, Lambert sees continued growth and evolution in the maritime industry. He noted that the technology and skills supporting current petrochemical operations in the Gulf of Mexico are readily adaptable to emerging sectors like the renewable wind energy industry.
“All of those same sorts of services would be needed to support a wind farm at sea,” he remarked, highlighting the transferable skills and enduring importance of maritime support services.
An Essential Industry for Economic Prosperity
The economic impact of this industry is immense. Lambert noted that in Louisiana alone, approximately 55,000 jobs are directly supporting the maritime industry, with a global figure reaching around 60 million. This impact ripples outward, as these workers and the companies they support contribute to local economies through spending on everything from groceries and housing to other local businesses.
“The maritime industry is, in many ways, the artery of our country,” Lambert concluded. The maintenance of this “vital artery,” including its locks, channels, and port facilities, is essential for the continued prosperity and development of not just Louisiana, but the entire nation.
Lambert Zainey is proud to serve and advocate for the hardworking men and women of the maritime industry. This National Maritime Month, we join in recognizing their crucial contributions to our economy and way of life.