CONTAINER-ON-BARGE TRANSPORTATION.

SEC. 412. CONTAINER-ON-BARGE TRANSPORTATION.(a) Assessment.—The Administrator of the Maritime Administration shall assess the potential for using container-on-barge transportation in short sea transportation (as such term is defined in section 55605 of title 46, United States Code).(b) Factors.—In conducting the assessment under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider—(1) the environmental benefits of increasing container-on-barge movements in short sea transportation;(2) the regional differences in the use of short sea transportation;(3) the existing programs established at coastal and Great Lakes ports for establishing awareness of deep sea shipping operations;(4) the mechanisms necessary to ensure that implementation of a plan under subsection (c) will not be inconsistent with antitrust laws; and(5) the potential frequency of container-on-barge service at short sea transportation ports.(c) Recommendations.—The assessment under subsection (a) may include recommendations for a plan to increase awareness of the potential for use of container-on-barge transportation.(d) Deadline.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit the assessment required under this section to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.126 STAT. 1573