Senate Confirms Carmel As Maritime Administrator

The Senate confirmed Stephen Carmel as the 21st administrator of the Maritime Administration as part of a December 18 en block vote of 53-43. In announcing the confirmation the following day, the Maritime Administration (MarAd) stated Carmel “will be central to implementing President Trump’s executive order on restoring maritime dominance.”

“I am honored to serve President Trump and work with Secretary Duffy to restore America’s maritime dominance,” Carmel said. “The maritime sector—including our hardworking mariners, port and terminal workers, inland waterway workers and Great Lakes sailors—is essential to moving goods for the American people and safeguarding our national security. I look forward to advancing this vital industry that underpins our economy and sustains American life.”

Carmel, a 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, sailed as a deck officer and licensed master, primarily serving on tankers for Maritime Overseas Corporation and Military Sealift Command. His first command, earned at 26, was a 40,000-ton clean product tanker.

Carmel also holds a Master of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration in International Finance from Old Dominion University. He is a certified management accountant and is certified in financial management. Carmel has completed coursework for a Ph.D. in International Studies with emphases in international political economy and conflict.

Previously, Carmel worked in operations and finance for U.S. Marine Management Inc. (USMMI) and Maersk Line. When USMMI was a division of Maersk, Carmel was senior vice president. After USMMI became part of Maritime Partners in 2023, Carmel served as president of the company.

Sang Yi, who had served as acting administrator of MarAd since June, resumed the post of deputy administrator of MarAd following Carmel’s confirmation.

Carmel’s confirmation was just one of nearly 100 appointments the Senate approved as a group last week. Also included in the vote was the appointment of Laura DiBella of Florida to serve on the Federal Maritime Commission through June 30, 2028.