Archive for the ‘Commissioners’ Category

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 »

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 »

Chairman Daniel B. Maffei Visits Port of New York and New Jersey to Meet with Stakeholders

Yesterday, in response to growing concerns about congestion at the Port of New York and New Jersey, Chairman Maffei and Managing Director Lucille Marvin (also the current Acting Director of the Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance) visited Newark and met with representatives from the trucking community and marine terminal… Read More »

Statement of Chairman Maffei on E.O. 14036 & Competition

“I applaud the important work accomplished across the U.S. government in the year since Executive Order 14036, Promoting Competition in the American Economy was issued by President Biden. “Ensuring competition for ocean liner services is the fundamental mission of the Federal Maritime Commission. Since becoming Chairman, I have directed the… Read More »

Chairman Maffei Addresses AgTC Annual Meeting

Chairman Daniel B. Maffei delivered the keynote address at the Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC) Annual Meeting last week, addressing the recently passed Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 and outlining new initiatives implemented by the Commission to mitigate supply chain congestion and related issues. The remarks were delivered on Wednesday,… Read More »

Letter of Commissioner Sola to President Joe Biden

Federal Maritime Commissioner Louis E. Sola wrote the President on June 23, 2022, regarding the Hugh Leatherman terminal in Charleston, South Carolina. Text of the letter: Dear President Biden: Thank you for your kind invitation to attend the Ocean Shipping Reform Act signing ceremony last Thursday. With your signature you have… Read More »

Statements of  Commissioners Bentzel, Sola, and Vekich regarding Comments Submitted to the Surface Transportation Board on the Proposed Consolidation of the Railroad Systems of Canadian Pacific Railway and the Kansas City Southern Railway

Federal Maritime Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel, Louis E. Sola, and Max M. Vekich, in their capacity as individual Commissioners, submitted comments Wednesday to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) objecting to the proposed consolidation of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Ltd. (CP) and the Kansas City Southern Railway (KCS). The three Commissioners urged… Read More »

Statement of Commissioner Max M. Vekich Regarding USDA Initiative to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports and West Coast Ports

Commissioner Max M. Vekich commends Secretary Tom Vilsack for the recently announced U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative that will assist American-grown agricultural products to reach global markets. Under the program, agricultural exporters will receive $200 per container of farm goods exported out of the ports of Seattle, Tacoma, or Oakland…. Read More »

Statement of Daniel B. Maffei on Passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

I applaud yesterday’s passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 by the U.S. House of Representatives and look forward to this legislation being signed into law. The strong bipartisan and bicameral support in Congress to act and address the multitude of challenges U.S. shippers—especially exporters—have faced over the… Read More »

Statement by Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel and Max Vekich on FMC’s approval of the $2 million Settlement Agreement with Hapag-Lloyd

Commissioners Carl W. Bentzel and Max Vekich commend the Commission’s Bureau of Enforcement for its work in reaching a $2 million settlement agreement with Hapag-Lloyd with regards to unreasonable assessment of detention and demurrage charges. The Commission must continue its work to address unjust and unreasonable practices for the benefit… Read More »