14 



We have some other examples of where we apply engineering 

 and technology to other programs. We have a lot of experience in 

 the area of ship construction and ship operation, and we also have 

 a good understanding of the shipping industry itself. We have pre- 

 pared numerous ship designs for both new construction and conver- 

 sion. This experience is germane to the implementation of a funded 

 ballast water exchange demonstration project. 



Our participation in such a demonstration would also help pro- 

 vide the interface between the scientific community and what we 

 like to call the real world of the maritime industry. This interface 

 would help ensure that the technologies selected as the most prom- 

 ising from a scientific point of view are workable and can be eco- 

 nomically and efficiently used in the commercial merchant fleet 



Most recently in that guise, we have provided technical expertise 

 to the Coast Guard in their effort to provide regulations required 

 by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. We worked with several other gov- 

 ernment agencies, most notably the Navy, in converting national 

 defense reserve fleet container ships into auxiliary crane ships and 

 offshore petroleum discharge systems, which are still actively being 

 used. On an ad hoc basis, we are also assisting NOAA with their 

 fleet replacement program. 



We believe that this bill provides a realistic timeframe for the 

 submission of required reports on the completion of the study and 

 on the findings and recommendations resulting from a demonstra- 

 tion project. It is our understanding that the funds necessary for a 

 scientific study and a demonstration project would need to be pro- 

 vided. 



This concludes my statement and I would be very happy to 

 answer any questions that you may have. 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. Thank you. And thanks to all of you for your testi- 

 mony. I find it to be very interesting and informative. 



[The statement of Mr. Lasky may be found at end of hearing.] 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. Are there any Members who arrived after we start- 

 ed testimony that have either a verbal or a written opening state- 

 ment? 



Mr. Manton. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent my state- 

 ment be inserted in the record at the appropriate place. 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. Without objection, so ordered. , 



Mr. Coble. Mr. Chairman, I would like to submit Congressman 

 Fields statement for the record, without objection. 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. Without objection, so ordered. 



And now we will start the questioning of the members of the 

 panel with the Co-Chairman of this hearing, Mr. Manton. Mr. 

 Manton, the floor is yours. 



Mr. Manton. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Captain Donohoe, how soon can we expect to receive the results 

 of the shipping study mandated under the Nonindigenous Aquatic 

 Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990? 



Captain Donohoe. It is in final review now, Mr. Chairman, and I 

 would expect it will be coming up with some degree of dispatch. I 

 would hate to give you a date. As soon as I give you a date, we will 

 probably screw it up and it will be late. 



Mr. Manton. Soon. 



