Acting Chairman Khouri Addresses Gemini Shippers Group Annual Meeting

Acting Chairman Michael A. Khouri traveled to New York today to address the annual meeting of a leading shippers association where he discussed Federal Maritime Commission initiatives and priorities in general, and regulatory reform efforts in particular.

Speaking to the Gemini Shippers Association at its Manhattan offices, Mr. Khouri shared with the audience how the Commission works to assure a competitive marketplace. He also discussed how the agency is changing the monitoring and reporting requirements of regulated entities in the wake of consolidation among container shipping lines, and changes in the structure of associated carrier agreements.

“The Commission has been steadily seeking more information through reporting requirements with which agreements must comply. Among other things we want to know about are trends in volumes, changes to service offerings, changes in vessel deployments, and to be notified in advance of blanked and cancelled sailings. Essentially, we are requiring more information, more frequently, all with the goal of maintaining competition that benefits the shipper and the consumer,” the Acting Chairman said.

Acting Chairman Khouri also took the opportunity to highlight his initiative of reducing regulatory burdens on industry.

“I am committed to pursuing an aggressive regulatory reform agenda during my tenure that results in meaningful steps the Commission can take to make it easier and more cost effective to comply with regulations that help maintain a competitive marketplace,” Mr. Khouri said.

The Commission published a Notice of Inquiry on May 26, 2017 inviting the public to provide suggestions on what changes to the agency’s regulations will increase efficiencies, ease compliance burdens, reduce costs, or address an antiquated requirement. Interested parties have until July 5, 2017 to submit comments.