Inland Insider

Congress to promote maritime jobs

As tug and barge operators struggle to hire workers, some unusual recruiters are emerging to help the industry: members of Congress.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., held a press conference in March to highlight the importance of the maritime industry and urge young people to pursue careers in New York City’s growing maritime sector — a sector that has many high-paying jobs to offer but not a lot of takers.

“Staten Island has a robust maritime industry that unfortunately not many people are aware of,” Malliotakis said at the press conference that also included representatives of tug and barge companies that transport an array of commodities and assist with refueling, maneuvering, and lightering ships in and around New York Harbor.

“With this industry comes a lot of job opportunities for the residents of Staten Island, and we’re here today because of the influx of federal infrastructure investment into New York ports and waterways,” she said on the dock at McAllister Towing & Transportation on Staten Island. “Tugs and barges are major industries in our communities.”

But “inflation has declined in key areas, namely metals and metal subassemblies. That said, lead times for certain components remain extended. Our vertical integration and global supply chain continue to enable us to satisfy demands of customers. Notwithstanding these factors, energy commodity markets remain constructive, giving us confidence in our outlook through 2023.” — David Krapf

Malliotakis said that although this is a thriving and growing industry that offers top salaries to workers without a college education, many companies “have had to turn down business because they don’t have the labor to keep up.”

Buckley McAllister, president of McAllister Towing, said his company is growing and hiring. “Once credentials are in place, somebody can start out as an ordinary seaman or deckhand aboard one of our boats, and we will train them and provide them with a career path to help them move up to engineer, mate or even captain. We’re looking for young leaders who will help lead the way for our industry in the future.”

He said the average salary for an entry-level position is $45,000, while an able-bodied seaman can earn $64,000, engineers $90,000, mates $94,000 and captains in the six figures. McAllister offers a full range of benefits and will train new recruits.

Rick Iuliucci, vice president of operations at Vane Brothers Co., said because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and investments made by the state of New York in maritime projects, his company is busy and “in dire need of mariners.”

“We’re seeing a lot happening when it comes to our waterways and marine industry,” Malliotakis said. “And as a result, there’s been job creation.”