(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday announced that Stephen Carmel has been confirmed as the 21st administrator of the Maritime Administration (MarAd) after the U.S. Senate on Thursday supported the nomination by a 53-43 vote.
The MarAd administrator will be central to implementing President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring Maritime Dominance. In this role, Carmel will advise and support U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on multiple matters including commercial maritime policy, the U.S. maritime industry, and strategic sealift.
“I am honored to serve President Trump and work with Secretary Duffy to restore America’s maritime dominance,” Carmel said. “The maritime sector – including our hardworking mariners, port and terminal workers, inland waterway workers, and Great Lakes sailors – is essential to moving goods for the American people and safeguarding our national security. I look forward to advancing this vital industry that underpins our economy and sustains American life.”
Before being confirmed as MarAd administrator, Carmel was senior vice president of maritime services at Maersk Line Ltd. with full profit and loss responsibility for Maersk’s U.S. Marine Management Inc. business unit. Prior to this position, Carmel had a variety of operations and finance positions at Maersk.
Carmel is a licensed deep sea ship’s master and sailed as a captain on tankers before coming ashore. He has served on a number of advisory boards including the CNO Executive Panel, Marine Board at the National Academies, and the Naval Studies Board, as well as a member of the Board of Visitors at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
– U.S. Department of Transportation
