The new Government Affairs Committee gives members an opportunity to share information and collaborate on current legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect the Delaware River and Bay maritime industry. Colleagues learn about and discuss new legislation and work together to effect positive change. Beginning in February 2023, the committee will meet quarterly.

Two-way communication is the key to effective change. The Maritime Ops Committee is the forum under which industry and government come together to address legislative, regulatory, and policy matters affecting Delaware River ship and cargo operations. The group is dedicated to improving processes and resolving challenges as they arise. Engaging decision makers at all levels of both agency chains of command and the Congressional delegation, discussions have turned into direct action, including national policy changes. Meeting quarterly, members include all partners in the transportation chain — such as ship lines and agents, brokers, terminal operators, and others — as well as the Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and Agriculture.

Users provide developmental direction for technical and procedural changes to Exchange systems, including TRACS, Ship Reporting, and AIS. In addition, workgroups meet with federal agencies to review regulatory changes that affect cargo, vessel, and crew clearances and processing. Working groups meet as required when changes are needed or requested.

The Private Berth Dredging Committee is committed to promoting the growth and development of industries that rely on the Delaware River. Comprised of government regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders, the committee is working to implement the Delaware River and Estuary Ecosystem Data Gathering Initiative, which seeks to unite the Delaware Estuary waterfront region by facilitating consistent permit application and approval processes, enhancing benefit to all waterway users.

Members of the CSFTS include terminal operators, inland cold warehouse operators, fumigators, importers, and overseas exporters who work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address worker safety. The task force has developed a regional Best Management Practices plan, which Delaware River facilities have voluntarily implemented, and conducts an independent audit each year to monitor compliance.

The Exchange formed this national group at the direct request of the Deputy Administrator for Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its purpose is to revisit the new fees for fumigations and cold treatments, established by regulation in late 2016, and make recommendations for alternate approaches.

The Innovations Working Group held its inaugural meeting on October 30, 2020. The new group follows the unqualified success of the locally initiated wood packing materials pilot program, which resulted in new national policy. The purpose of the IWG is to bring members of the maritime industry together with officials from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/Plant Protection and Quarantine office to develop and implement ideas to control costs and increase efficiencies for both government and its trade partners.

Formed in late 2022, this group is laser focused on identifying opportunities to improves processes and communication among the many transportation stakeholders involved in the export of Chilean grapes and other commodities into the Delaware Bay and River port region.