(OTTAWA, Ontario) — U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., has been named the 2026 Champion of the Great Lakes by the Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC).
This award honors United States elected officials who demonstrate a special commitment to enhancing economic growth and supply chain strength by supporting marine shipping on the Great Lakes. Representing the 23rd District of New York, Langworthy has played a key role in protecting and promoting the role that Great Lakes shipping plays in supporting economic prosperity, good jobs, and national industrial strength. He has galvanized considerable support for Great Lakes issues among his elected peers.
The membership of the CMC represents every link in the marine supply chain, including ships, ports, terminals, and shippers of key commodities, and the congressman’s work has supported each of these links to the benefit of American citizens and communities. This includes recognition that Great Lakes shipping is a critical conduit for everyday affordability.
“On behalf of more than 100 member organizations that comprise the membership of the Chamber of Marine Commerce across North America, including a number within the state of New York, I want to thank Rep. Langworthy and his team for the accessibility, responsiveness, and support they have shown regarding Great Lakes marine shipping issues over the past year,” said Joshua Juel, president and CEO of the CMC. “He understands that our industry is the cornerstone of dependable supply chain that grows the North American economy and helps build appreciation of our contributions among others. For that we are deeply grateful.”
The marine industry on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway plays a vital role in maintaining and growing economic prosperity by enabling efficient trade within North America and around the world. As the safest, most efficient, and environmentally sustainable method of carrying bulk freight, the “laker” fleet operating on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway alleviates highway congestion and supports jobs and stronger supply chains.
In July 2023, an independent study by Martin Associates confirmed the importance of marine shipping on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway and coastal and Arctic regions to the North American economy. The study revealed that the industry:
• Made a total annual contribution of $50.9 billion in economic activity across North America.
• Supported approximately 360,000 jobs across the continent.
• Moved more than 252 million tonnes of foundational cargoes that include grain, potash for fertilizer, iron ore, construction materials, and salt.
The Chamber of Marine Commerce is a bi-national association that represents diverse marine industry stakeholders including major American and Canadian shippers of key commodities; ports, terminals and marine service providers; as well as Canadian domestic and international shipowners. The chamber advocates for safe, sustainable, harmonized and competitive policy and regulation that recognizes the marine transportation system’s significant advantages in the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence, coastal and Arctic regions.
– Chamber of Marine Commerce
