101 



insure that the technologies selected as most promising from a 

 scientific point of view are workable and can be economically and 

 efficiently used in the commercial merchant fleet. For example, 

 MARAD recently provided technical expertise to the Coast Guard in 

 its effort to provide regulations required by the Oil Pollution 

 Act of 1990. We are currently working with the Navy on the 

 conversion of National Defense Reserve Fleet containerships and 

 tankers to auxiliary crane ships and off-shore petroleum 

 discharge systems, and are assisting NOAA, on an ad-hoc basis, 

 with their fleet replacement program. 



In conclusion, we believe that the bill provides a realistic time 

 frame for the submission of required reports on the completion of 

 a study, and on findings and recommendations resulting from a 

 demonstration project. It is our understanding that the funds 

 necessary for the scientific study and demonstration project 

 would need to be provided. 



Mr. Chairman, this concludes my statement. I will be happy to 

 answer any questions that you or any Subcommittee members may 

 have. 



O 



