Commission Meeting Examines OTI License Renewal Schedule, Hanjin Shipping Bankruptcy, and new Alliance Agreement

Contact: John K. DeCrosta, (202) 523-5911

The online Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license renewal process is on schedule to commence in mid-2017. The Commission was briefed on this development and other matters in an open session meeting.

In total, almost 5,000 parties will need to have their license renewed over a three-year period. Commission staff reported that significant progress has been made in building the information technology based system that will be used for OTI license renewals, and in beginning to advise regulated entities of the procedures for complying with the new requirements. In February of next year, the Commission will officially contact the first group of those qualified to have their licenses renewed, providing affected individuals with user names, passwords, and instructions on the process for completing license renewals.

The new system will communicate with regulated parties via electronic mail and OTIs are reminded that their most current contact information needs to be on file at the Commission. OTIs should confirm with the Commission’s Bureau of Certification & Licensing that they have submitted an accurate e-mail account to the agency.

Updated e-mail addresses can be sent to OTI@FMC.gov and further information about the renewal process can be found at https://www.fmc.gov/resources-services/guidance-on-license-renewals/.

Also during the open session, Chairman Mario Cordero reported on his attendance at the World Shipping Summit in Shanghai, China earlier this month where he addressed the Summit as a speaker. Additionally, he attended a number of side meetings with U.S. and Chinese government officials and industry executives.

In the closed session of the meeting, Commissioners were briefed on the latest developments in the Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy; progress on a third party assessment of PierPass’ costs and operations as well as an “Extended Gate Workshop” that organization held in October of this year; and, what the changing alliance structures in the Trans-Pacific Trade might portend. Finally, the recently filed proposed agreement by THE Alliance was also discussed during the closed session.

The Federal Maritime Commission is responsible for regulating the Nation’s international ocean transportation for the benefit of exporters, importers, and the American consumer. The Commission’s mission is to foster a fair, efficient, and reliable international ocean transportation system while protecting the public from unfair and deceptive practices.