Impacts From Threats to Shipping

The Federal Maritime Commission is aware that ocean common carriers are adjusting vessel operations and deployments in response to threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions.

In doing so, carriers are announcing rate increases and/or instituting fees or surcharges ostensibly to recoup expenses associated with longer voyages and/or higher costs of insurance and security. However, these charges must meet strict legal requirements. Furthermore, competition among carriers must not be suspended and carriers and parties to vessel sharing agreements must continue to obey the Shipping Act, other U.S. competition laws, and all other applicable laws.

The Federal Maritime Commission is monitoring actions taken by ocean common carriers related to rates, fees, and surcharges to ensure their compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.