Archive for 2022

FMC Meeting Focuses on OSRA Implementation & Data Initiative

The Federal Maritime Commission was briefed at its September meeting, held Wednesday, on progress implementing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA) and the findings of the Maritime Transportation Data Initiative (MTDI). Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel discussed his work leading the MTDI and shared what this project identified as… Read More »

Commissioner Sola Meets with Senior Leadership of MSC and CMA to Discuss Environmental Issues

Commissioner Louis Sola met with senior executives of containership operators Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and CMA CGM in their respective headquarters during a European trip earlier this month to learn how these companies are working to address ocean shipping’s environmental impact. Captain Gianluigi Aponte (Founder and Chairman of MSC Group)… Read More »

Reminder: The 9/21/22 FMC Meeting will begin at 1 pm in the STB Hearing Room

SUNSHINE ACT MEETING TIME AND DATE: September 21, 2022; 1:00 p.m. PLACE: This meeting will be held in-person at the Surface Transportation Board at the address below and also streamed live via Zoom4Gov Webinar and on the Commission’s YouTube Channel; the links for viewing are Zoom4Gov Webinar and Commissions YouTube… Read More »

Statement of Commissioners Max M. Vekich and Carl W. Bentzel regarding the NPRM on the Definition of Unreasonable Refusal to Deal with Respect to Vessel Space Accommodation

This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides an important first step in elaborating on how the Federal Maritime Commission will assess what constitutes an unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodation. While the proposed rule establishes parameters for consideration, there may be additional steps that would… Read More »

FMC Seeking Public Comment on Unreasonable Refusal to Deal Proposed Rule

The Federal Maritime Commission is seeking public comments in response to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued today implementing a requirement of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA) to define unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate with respect to vessel space accommodation provided by an ocean common… Read More »

Commissioner Sola Guest Commentary Appears in USCG Publication

An article written by Commissioner Louis Sola was featured in the Summer 2022 edition of the Cruise Ship Round Turn, a publication of the Coast Guard’s Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise. In the commentary, Commissioner Sola highlights the criticality of partnerships, cooperation, and a commitment to risk mitigation were key… Read More »

JULY 2022 ACTIVITY REPORT

STATEMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Industry Advisory—Demurrage & Detention Billing Practices The Commission issued notice to the trade that common carriers are required to comply with demurrage or detention billing practices established by the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. Industry Advisory—Interim Procedures for Submitting “Charge Complaints” Under 46 USC 41310 The Commission… Read More »

FMC Establishes OSRA 2022 Implementation Webpage

The Federal Maritime Commission has established a webpage dedicated to its actions and activities related to the implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA). “OSRA 2022 is now law and the Federal Maritime Commission intends to act expeditiously to implement both the letter and the spirit of… Read More »

FMC Seeks Comments on Benefits of Issuing Emergency Order Requiring Information Sharing

The Federal Maritime Commission is seeking public comment on whether supply chain congestion has created conditions warranting the issuance of an emergency order requiring common carriers and marine terminal operators (MTOs) to share key information with shippers, truckers, and railroads. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (OSRA), enacted as… Read More »

Statement by Commissioner Bentzel on East Coast Empty Container Congestion

I want to agree and associate myself with the statement made by Chairman Maffei in the aftermath of his visit to the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey, and his concerns on the mounting challenge of returning empty containers to the marine terminals servicing the port. In my view, the… Read More »