William P. Doyle Confirmed as FMC Commissioner

The United States Senate confirmed President Obama’s nomination of William P. Doyle on March 23, 2015 as Federal Maritime Commissioner. Commissioner Doyle will be sworn in for his second term as Commissioner in the next several weeks.

Prior to his appointment to the FMC, Commissioner Doyle spent his career in the transportation sector. He is a Coast Guard licensed engineer and served as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine, sailing commercially on vessels in the domestic and international trades for 10 years. From 2011 to 2013, the Commissioner served as the chief of staff for the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA). From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Doyle was the Director of Permits, Scheduling and Compliance at the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects.

Commissioner Doyle received a B.S. in marine engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a J.D. from Widener University School of Law.

During his first term, Commissioner Doyle actively participated in many issues facing the Commission and the maritime industry including efforts to relieve port congestion and ensure that goods move efficiently through the transportation chain. Internationally, Commissioner Doyle represented the FMC at the annual U.S.-China Bilateral Maritime Consultations where he met with officials from the People’s Republic of China regarding maritime shipping matters such as tax policies affecting U.S. interests in the U.S.-China trade. Commissioner Doyle also has worked with his fellow Commissioners to adjudicate a backlog of cases filed with the Commission; the Commission now resolves over 90% of its cases within 24 months. Commissioner Doyle stated, “I would like to thank President Obama for his confidence in me and am honored by the Senate’s confirmation. I will continue the important work ahead of us at the Federal Maritime Commission and I look forward to working with the Chairman, my fellow Commissioners and the Commission staff in order to accomplish our goals.”

FMC Chairman Mario Cordero stated, “I am very pleased that the Senate has affirmed the President’s selection by voting to confirm Commissioner Doyle for his second term. We look forward to continuing the Commission’s important work with Commissioner Doyle firmly on board.