Archive for the ‘Sola’ Category

Commission Requests Comments on Possible Changes to Regulations Governing Cruise Lines

The Federal Maritime Commission has voted to issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM). The ANPRM will gather information about possible changes to regulations governing the definition of “non-performance” by a cruise line and the process for obtaining a refund when a vessel does not sail. The ANPRM will… Read More »

Fact Finding 30 Interim Report Highlights Economic Impacts to Florida From Paused Cruise Operations

The economic impacts of COVID-19 have not been limited to passenger cruise lines, but have extended to port authorities and cities throughout Florida with cancelled sailings resulting in loss of revenue to public ports, government at all levels, and private companies that do business with cruise lines. These conclusions are… Read More »

Opening Remarks of Commissioner Sola, September, Meeting with Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf

Good morning, I am Commissioner Louis Sola. Secretary Wolf – Congratulations on your recent, and well-deserved nomination and thank you for being with us today, it’s a pleasure. As you know, the Federal Maritime Commission and Department of Homeland Security work together daily around the country as partner government agencies… Read More »

Commission Initiates Rulemaking Process Addressing Cruise Line Performance and Refunds

The Federal Maritime Commission has initiated a process that may ultimately lead to amending its regulations concerning “non-performance” by a Passenger Vessel Operator (PVO/cruise line) and under what circumstances passengers must be provided a refund for a cancelled or delayed voyage. On Monday, the Commission voted to accept the recommendations… Read More »

Commissioner Sola Provides Briefing on Fact Finding 30 to Senior DoT Official

COVID-19 related impacts on ocean shipping and the cruise industry were discussed Wednesday in a conference call that brought together two Commissioners of the Federal Maritime Commission, a senior official from the Department of Transportation, and representatives of sectors affected by the pandemic’s consequences. Commissioner Louis E. Sola invited the… Read More »

Commissioner Sola Proposes Changes to FMC Regulations on Cruise Line Performance & Refunds

Updated 8/10/20 to provide details on the proposed changes to passenger refunds for canceled bookings. Commissioner Louis E. Sola has proposed the Federal Maritime Commission initiate a rulemaking to amend its regulations governing Passenger Vessel Operators (PVOs or cruise lines) in order to create a uniform standard for non-performance of transportation… Read More »

Commissioner Sola Reports on Meeting with ILWU Leadership in Fact Finding 30 to Discuss Impacts of COVID-19 on Longshore Workforce

Earlier this week I had an excellent discussion with the senior leadership of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) concerning the impact of the current pandemic on the financial wellbeing of their members. International President William Adams, Vice-President Robert “Bobby” Olvera, Jr., and Committeemen Frank Ponce de Leon and… Read More »

Fact Finding 30 Phase 1 Report Identifies Proposal That Would Help U.S. Cruise Companies

An Initial Report issued today by Commissioner Louis Sola identifies a regulatory step that addresses a critical COVID-19 fiscal impact experienced by the cruise industry generally, but most significantly by small passenger vessel operators that are largely U.S.-based businesses that almost exclusively sail U.S. flagged vessels. Federal Maritime Commission regulations… Read More »

Statement of Commissioner Louis E. Sola concerning the posting of the Lake Carriers’ Association petition and subsequent Section 19 Investigation in the Federal Register

Today the Commission issued a Notice of Investigation and Request for Comments regarding conditions created by Transport Canada’s proposed ballast water regulations. This begins the public process that was initiated by the petition filed by the Lake Carriers’ Association which I reported in my statement of May 20. Comments received… Read More »

Fact Finding 30 Innovation Teams Examining Financial Responsibility Requirements

Cruise lines, marine terminal operators, and port authorities participating on Innovation Teams established by Commissioner Louis Sola as part of his Fact Finding 30 investigation are taking positive steps to address the sufficiency of agency administered financial responsibility requirements to protect consumers purchasing cruise tickets and passengers on cruise vessels… Read More »