Archive for 2024

FMC Updates Controlled Carrier List

Hede (HONGKONG) International Shipping Limited was classified today by the Federal Maritime Commission as a controlled carrier of the Government of the People’s Republic of China and added to the agency’s Controlled Carrier List. The Controlled Carrier List was further revised today by removing COSCO Shipping Lines (Europe) GmbH, which… Read More »

Statement of Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel on the Demurrage and Detention Billing Requirements Final Rule

I voted to approve the Final Demurrage and Detention (D&D) Rule released today. This rule has been a long time coming. D&D penalties provide an important tool to protect the shipping public from market abuses caused by excessive delays in the pick-up of cargoes from marine terminals, and to ensure… Read More »

FMC Publishes Final Rule on Detention and Demurrage Billing Practices

A Final Rule issued today by the Federal Maritime Commission establishes new requirements for how common carriers and marine terminal operators (MTOs) must bill for demurrage and detention charges, providing clarity on who can be billed, within what timeframe, and the process for disputing bills. A key provision of this… Read More »

Notice to Passengers Regarding American Queen Voyages

The Federal Maritime Commission has been informed that American Queen Voyages has shut down, cancelled all future voyages, and has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Consumers who have purchased travel on American Queen Voyages should visit the “Customer Claims Portal”… Read More »

Statement of Commissioner Carl W. Bentzel on his IAMPE “Port Perspectives” Podcast Interview

I would like to thank Captain Jeff Monroe for the invitation to speak with him as the guest on his Port Perspectives Podcast on February 12, 2024. The International Association of Maritime & Port Executives (IAMPE) provides educational programs to the maritime industry. As this industry continues to grow, and… Read More »

Recording of FMC Hearing on Red Sea Available

The recording of an Informal Public Hearing held by the Federal Maritime Commission examining impacts from attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is now available for streaming on the Commission’s YouTube channel. The hearing was held on February 7, 2024, and the Commission heard… Read More »

Opening Statement of Commissioner Max Vekich at Informal Hearing of the Federal Maritime Commission Examining Impacts to Shipping Resulting from Current Conditions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Regions

I would like to commend the carriers for prioritizing mariner safety during this most difficult time. We recognize the difficulties – the stress to the individual mariners, vessel owners and to the supply chain created by the current crisis in the Red Sea. Carriers are employing novel solutions to adjust… Read More »

Opening Statement of Chairman Daniel Maffei at Informal Hearing of the Federal Maritime Commission Examining Impacts to Shipping Resulting from Current Conditions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Regions

The Houthi attacks on merchant shipping, predominantly in the Red Sea, endanger life and property regardless of origin or destination, and are the biggest impingement on freedom of the seas in decades. The United States’ economy depends upon ocean shipping to provide reliable, efficient, and affordable access to global markets… Read More »

Opening Statement of Commissioner Carl Bentzel at Informal Hearing of the Federal Maritime Commission Examining Impacts to Shipping Resulting from Current Conditions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Regions

Good morning to all. First, I want to thank everyone in advance for their participation today, and their willingness to provide testimony on these critical issues confronting our global supply chain. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you, for scheduling this hearing to discuss the challenges we face as a… Read More »

FMC Releases Schedule for Hearing on Threats to Shipping

The Federal Maritime Commission will hear from individuals representing shipper, carrier, and port interests at its informal hearing examining impacts to shipping and supply chains from current conditions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions. The informal hearing is being held Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in the Surface… Read More »