This year’s Passenger Vessel Association Convention in Covington, Ky., was once again a gathering of friends and colleagues that did not disappoint. The annual meeting provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from and share experiences with others across the passenger vessel industry. MariTrends 2026 was a substantive, engaging, and enjoyable gathering of vessel operators, shipbuilders, and industry partners.
The week began with an in-person meeting of the PVA Legislative Committee, held just prior to the official opening of the convention. The committee reviewed the significant policy work undertaken over the past six months, including a coalition sign-on letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy urging enactment of long-delayed oral fluid testing as an alternative to urinalysis. Members also celebrated a major step forward in addressing illegal charter operations following a congressionally directed study by the Government Accountability Office. Additionally, the committee discussed advocacy surrounding U.S. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation policy. Looking ahead, members considered issues likely to shape our work in 2026, including ferry funding in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Harbor Maintenance funding, maritime workforce development, and other emerging maritime policy initiatives. The discussion was thoughtful, practical, and forward-looking—exactly what we need as we prepare for PVA’s Congressional Fly-In on April 21.
The convention formally opened with a keynote address by U.S. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. Representative Massie, who serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and represents the Covington area in Congress, delivered a lively and engaging address followed by an extended question-and-answer session with PVA members. His willingness to take direct questions and engage substantively with operators was greatly appreciated. Representative Massie also spent time with PVA Board of Directors members prior to the keynote, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong relationships with members of Congress.
Educational sessions throughout the week were equally valuable. A particularly impactful panel examined the Capital Construction Fund (CCF), highlighting its value both to vessel owners seeking disciplined, tax-efficient capital formation and to shipbuilders who benefit from long-term fleet modernization planning. The session reinforced why expanding CCF eligibility to passenger vessels was such an important legislative achievement for PVA.
Another important session focused on combating the scourge of illegal charters. Members heard firsthand accounts of enforcement trends, regulatory challenges, and the importance of continued coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and policymakers. PVA members also received an update on the much-anticipated Government Accountability Office study examining the issue. The discussion made clear that protecting legitimate operators remains a top industry priority.
One of the most memorable sessions of the convention was a charming and insightful retrospective on the history of PVA and its predecessor organizations. Three giants of the industry—Gary Frommelt, Terry Wirginis, and Mike Borgstrom—shared stories, lessons, and reflections from decades of leadership, reminding us that today’s successes are built on sustained advocacy and a culture of collaboration.
The week concluded on a high note with a cruise down the Ohio River aboard BB Riverboats’ Belle of Cincinnati. The PVA President’s Dinner, graciously hosted by the Bernstein family, was a fitting capstone to the convention, complete with excellent food, fellowship, and fireworks over the river. It was a celebratory end to a productive and energizing week.
MariTrends 2026 demonstrated once again that PVA is at its best when we combine serious policy engagement, practical business education, and genuine camaraderie. The momentum from the convention will carry directly into our legislative work this spring. Join us for PVA’s annual Congressional Fly-In on April 21, 2026.
Richard Patch is the Legislative Director of the Passenger Vessel Association.