Chairman Maffei Participates in US-UK Bilateral Maritime Consultation

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei participated virtually in a meeting held today in London between the U.S. and U.K. agencies responsible for maritime matters in the two nations.

The meeting was hosted by Dr. Rannia Leontaridi, the Director General of the Aviation, Maritime and Security Group, U.K. Department for Transport.

Chairman Maffei provided a briefing on the role and jurisdiction of the FMC and outlined his priorities of robust enforcement, supporting U.S. exporters, providing consumer assistance, and implementing the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022.  The two sides also discussed challenges the international freight delivery system continues to face and opportunities to make improvements to ocean shipping.  Chairman Maffei highlighted the necessity of bringing more credibility to how and when fees and surcharges are assessed.

“The United Kingdom and the United States work together closely and successfully on so many international issues.  The spirit of cooperation between our nations absolutely extends to shipping and supply chain matters and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with Director General Leontaridi and other officials at the U.K. Department for Transport.  I look forward to continuing this engagement and seeking ways in which we can work together to the benefit of our respective publics,” said Chairman Maffei.

The Chairman’s presentation was part of a larger in-person consultation between U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips and Director General Leontaridi.