Verrill Dana Partner One of First in Maine Named to Arctic Economic Council Working Group

(May 18, 2018) – Verrill Dana maritime attorney Benjamin Ford has been selected to join the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) Maritime Transportation Working Group. Ford was nominated by The Maine North Atlantic Development Office (MENADO), the first AEC member from the United States' lower 48, due to his breadth of experience in both maritime and Arctic law.

"Maine's participation brings 100 years of maritime knowledge and experience to the table," explained Ford, "I am eager for the important role we will play in working to provide safe and sustainable transportation and logistics throughout the Arctic."

The goals of the AEC are to facilitate responsible business and economic development of the Arctic and its communities; to share and advocate for best practice, technological solutions, and standards; to support market accessibility; and to provide advice and a business perspective to the work of the Arctic Council. The independent organization hosted its inaugural meeting in September 2014 in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and currently consists of four working groups, including two focused on infrastructure: Maritime Transportation and Telecommunications, and Responsible Resource Development and Arctic Stewardship.

Ford, a partner in Verrill Dana's North Atlantic & Arctic Group, frequently authors articles and speaks on the economic opportunities and unique challenges of Arctic commerce, as well as the close ties between Maine and the region.

In addition to the firm's involvement in the 2016 Arctic Council Meeting, the first held outside of the Arctic Circle, Verrill Dana was recognized by the Maine International Trade Center as the 2017 Service Provider of the Year for its efforts in the North Atlantic.